Medicare patients could see audiologists without a referral starting 2027
In committeeH.R. 2757Latest action
Sponsor: Gus M. Bilirakis · Representative · FL
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Health care
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 2757 lets Medicare patients visit audiologists directly without a referral beginning January 1, 2027, and expands covered hearing services.
60-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 2757 would remove the current requirement that Medicare patients have a doctor's referral or order before seeing an audiologist, effective January 1, 2027. The bill would also expand Medicare coverage for audiologist services beyond diagnostic tests to include treatment services, as long as those services are permitted under the audiologist's state license. Audiologists would also be allowed to practice in rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers under this bill.
Who does it affect?
The bill primarily affects Medicare beneficiaries, generally adults 65 and older as well as younger people on Medicare due to disability. Audiologists would gain greater independence, while doctors and other providers who currently oversee or refer patients for hearing care could see their role in that process change.
Why does it matter?
Removing the referral requirement would change how hearing care is accessed and coordinated within Medicare. Expanding audiologist authority to include treatment services could shift the distribution of hearing-related care among providers.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Medicare pays 80% of approved cost
- Patients pay remaining 20%
- Same structure as Medicare Part B
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 9, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Apr 9, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.