Sponsors (4)
The bill pilots and studies VA coverage of lower‑cost OTC hearing aids to potentially expand affordable access and inform policy, but it risks higher federal costs, possible reduced effectiveness for some participants, and exclusion of veterans without required technology or outside VA coverage.
Veterans with mild-to-moderate hearing loss could gain earlier, lower-cost access to FDA‑cleared OTC hearing aids during the demonstration and potentially if the VA adopts program changes.
Congress, the VA, and taxpayers will get better, evidence-based data on need and fiscal impacts (through the demonstration and GAO study) to guide whether and how to change benefits without unexpected budget consequences.
Veterans and taxpayers could see lower costs or faster access if recommended procurement or contract design improvements are implemented.
If the demonstration leads to permanent coverage expansion, VA benefits and overall federal spending on hearing aids could rise, creating budget pressure or requiring trade‑offs with other programs.
Some participating veterans could receive suboptimal hearing support during the trial if OTC devices prove less effective than audiologist‑fitted prescription aids.
Requiring a mobile device and data access for participation may exclude veterans without smartphones or reliable internet, leaving low‑income and rural veterans out of potential benefits.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Directs VA to run a randomized demonstration comparing FDA‑cleared OTC hearing aids to prescription hearing aids for eligible veterans and directs GAO to study VA hearing‑aid assistance and recommend changes.
Official title: Direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a demonstration project on coverage by the Department of Veterans Affairs of over-the-counter hearing aids, and for other purposes.
Introduced January 29, 2026 by Marsha Blackburn · Last progress January 29, 2026
Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to run a two-year demonstration comparing FDA-cleared over‑the‑counter (OTC) hearing aids to audiologist‑fitted prescription hearing aids for veterans with mild‑to‑moderate hearing loss, with interim and final reports on clinical outcomes and fiscal impact. Directs the Government Accountability Office to study and report on VA hearing‑aid assistance for veterans with mild‑to‑moderate loss and recommend program changes, potentially including new VA benefits or program design options.