Ways and Means Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
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.
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.
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.
Health
HEAR Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-6218| House
| Updated: 11/20/2025
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.
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.
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.