Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025

The Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025 would expand Medicare Part B coverage to include audiology services provided by qualified audiologists. Starting January 1, 2027, these services—consisting of hearing and balance assessments and, from 2027 onward, treatment services—would be covered as if performed by a physician or under physician supervision. The bill would allow audiologists to provide these services without requiring the patient to be under a physician’s care or to be referred, or to have the services supervised by a physician. It would set Medicare payment for these audiology services at 80% of the lesser of the provider’s charge or the established fee schedule, and would authorize assignment-based payment to qualified audiologists. Additionally, qualified audiologists would be included as eligible practitioners for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). The bill includes a guardrail: it would not expand Medicare payment authority for other services beyond what is covered as of December 31, 2026. The effective date for these changes is items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2027.