Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025

This act makes it easier for people on Medicare to get hearing and balance care from audiologists. Starting January 1, 2027, Medicare would cover diagnostic and treatment services when a qualified audiologist provides them, and you would not need a doctor’s referral or supervision to see one. The services must be ones Medicare already covers; this changes access and who can provide the care, not the types of services covered . Audiologists would also be recognized as practitioners in rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers, improving access in those settings.

Key points

• Who is affected: People with Medicare who need hearing or balance care; audiologists; patients at rural health clinics and community health centers.
• What changes: Medicare covers audiology diagnostic and treatment services without a doctor’s referral or supervision; audiologists can provide these services directly; recognition within rural and community clinics improves access .
• When: Applies to services on or after January 1, 2027.