HEAR Act of 2025

This bill seeks to expand Medicare coverage by amending title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include hearing aids and associated hearing services. It introduces the concept of hearing rehabilitation , which encompasses both aural rehabilitation services and the provision of hearing aids. Specifically, the legislation defines aural rehabilitation services as those furnished by a physician or qualified audiologist, and includes comprehensive audiologic assessments to determine hearing aid appropriateness and the need for further testing. It also covers threshold tests to determine audio acuity. For hearing aids , the bill specifies coverage for FDA-approved wearable devices, explicitly excluding over-the-counter options. The covered services include audiology services, hearing aid assessment, procurement, initial fitting and adjustment, instruction, periodic refittings, and rehabilitation counseling. Eligibility for hearing aid coverage requires a determined hearing loss treatable by an aid, and individuals are generally limited to one monaural or two binaural hearing aids within a three-year period. The amendments will take effect on a date specified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, no sooner than January 1 of the first year and no later than January 1 of the third year after enactment.