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Hearing Device Coverage Clarification Act

3/31/2025, 4:03 PM

Summary of Bill S 983

Bill 119 s 983, also known as the "Middle Ear Hearing Device Prosthetics Clarification Act," aims to address a specific issue related to Medicare coverage for implanted active middle ear hearing devices. The bill directs the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to clarify that these devices should be classified as prosthetics, rather than hearing aids, under the Medicare program.

Currently, Medicare has an exclusion for coverage of hearing aids, which can be a barrier for individuals who require implanted active middle ear hearing devices to improve their hearing. By reclassifying these devices as prosthetics, this bill seeks to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries have access to the necessary coverage for these important medical devices.

The purpose of this legislation is to provide clarity and guidance to Medicare providers and beneficiaries regarding the coverage of implanted active middle ear hearing devices. By removing the confusion surrounding the classification of these devices, the bill aims to improve access to essential hearing technology for individuals who rely on these devices for improved quality of life. Overall, the Middle Ear Hearing Device Prosthetics Clarification Act is a targeted and important piece of legislation that seeks to address a specific issue within the Medicare program to ensure that individuals who require implanted active middle ear hearing devices have access to the coverage they need.

Current Status of Bill S 983

Bill S 983 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 12, 2025. Bill S 983 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on March 12, 2025.  Bill S 983's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. as of March 12, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 983

Total Number of Sponsors
3
Democrat Sponsors
3
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
1
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 983

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 983

A bill to direct the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to clarify that implanted active middle ear hearing devices are prosthetics and are not subject to the hearing aid coverage exclusion under the Medicare program.
A bill to direct the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to clarify that implanted active middle ear hearing devices are prosthetics and are not subject to the hearing aid coverage exclusion under the Medicare program.

Comments

Raven Spence profile image

Raven Spence

501

8 months ago

This bill good for me. It will help me hear better.

Braelyn Hess profile image

Braelyn Hess

460

8 months ago

I don't like this bill because it could make it harder for me to get the hearing devices I need. It's not fair that they want to change the coverage rules. I hope they listen to people like me who rely on these devices to communicate.