Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB244

Introduced
1/10/23  
Refer
1/10/23  

Caption

Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2023 This bill allows for Medicare coverage of hearing aids and related examinations. The Government Accountability Office must study programs that provide assistance for hearing aids and related examinations for individuals with hearing loss.

Impact

The bill is designed to significantly impact state laws and healthcare provisions regarding the coverage of hearing aids under Medicare. It stipulates that the amendment will take effect for services provided starting January 1, 2024, marking a pivotal change in how hearing aids are perceived within federal healthcare programs. This is projected to benefit potentially millions of individuals who rely on such aids for better communication and social interaction, enhancing their overall quality of life and health outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 244, also known as the Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2023, aims to amend the Social Security Act to eliminate the current exclusion of Medicare coverage for hearing aids and their related examinations. By removing this exclusion, Medicare will become a source of financial assistance for seniors and others who require hearing aids, thereby expanding access to essential healthcare materials. The changes outlined in the bill are intended to address the significant number of individuals affected by hearing loss and to mitigate the barriers they face in obtaining necessary devices and examinations.

Contention

Although proponents of HB 244 advocate for improved access to hearing aids through Medicare, the bill may face scrutiny related to funding mechanisms and implications on Medicare's financial sustainability. Critics may express concerns over how such enhancements to coverage will be funded, potentially impacting other areas of healthcare funding. The requirement for a Government Accountability Office study to assess existing programs surrounding hearing aids will also prompt discussions regarding effectiveness, accessibility, and potential adjustments needed in related healthcare services.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB500

Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2025This bill allows for Medicare coverage of hearing aids and related examinations.The Government Accountability Office must study programs that provide assistance for hearing aids and related examinations for individuals with hearing loss.

US HB33

Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2023 This bill provides for Medicare coverage of dental, vision, and hearing care. Coverage includes (1) routine dental cleanings and exams, basic and major dental services, emergency dental care, and dentures; (2) routine eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses; and (3) routine hearing exams, hearing aids, and exams for hearing aids. With respect to such care, the bill establishes special payment rules, limitations, and coinsurance requirements.

US SB842

Medicare and Medicaid Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2023

US HB2045

Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2025

US HB133

Mandating Exclusive Review of Individual Treatments (MERIT) Act This bill specifies that coverage determinations for drugs and biologics under Medicare must be made with respect to each drug or biologic, rather than with respect to a class of drugs or biologics.

US HB77

This bill establishes which state law governs health insurers offering coverage in multiple states. Specifically, the bill provides that the laws of a state designated by a health insurer (primary state) apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that insurer in any other state (secondary state) if the coverage, states, and insurer comply with the conditions of this bill. Insurers are exempted from any secondary state's laws that would prohibit or regulate the operation of the insurer in that state. The primary state is given sole jurisdiction to enforce its covered laws in any secondary state. The Government Accountability Office must study the effect of this bill on specified health insurance issues.

US HB31

Cover Outstanding Vulnerable Expansion-eligible Residents Now Act or the COVER Now Act This bill establishes a demonstration program to allow local governments to provide health benefits to the Medicaid expansion population in states that have not expanded Medicaid. Under the program, local governments may provide coverage for individuals who are newly eligible for Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (i.e., the Medicaid expansion population) for a maximum of 10 years, or until their respective states expand Medicaid. The bill provides a 100% federal matching rate for the first three years of program participation. The bill prohibits states from taking certain actions against participating localities, such as withholding funding, increasing taxes, or restricting provider participation. States that violate these requirements are subject to certain funding penalties.

US HB5395

Coverage Parity for Medicare Patients Act of 2023

US SB939

Medicare Dental, Hearing, and Vision Expansion Act of 2025

US HB7254

Hearing Device Coverage Clarification Act

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.