Medicare Audiology Access Legislation (H.R. 2757) Developments
The California Academy of Audiology (CAA) is deeply committed to advocating for the scope of practice and the best interests of audiologists in California and beyond. We are deeply concerned and frustrated by the recent letter from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) that opposes the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act (MAAIA). As passionate supporters of our profession, we fervently believe in the critical importance of MAAIA for the future of audiology and the individuals who rely on our services.MAAIA was designed to enhance access to critical hearing and balance assessments for Medicare beneficiaries. It aims to formally empower audiologists to provide the services they are uniquely qualified to deliver, without the need for a physician referral. Passing MAAIA would streamline care and improve patient outcomes. MAAIA ensures that Medicare beneficiaries can receive timely and direct access to the diagnostic services they need for effective management of their hearing health.
The opposition to MAAIA presented by the AAO-HNS raises concerns about the potential negative impact on patient care, however, we know these claims are false. Leadership from all of our National Organizations have released a letter in response to the false claims made by AAO-HNS, which we wished to share with you all. We are monitoring developments in this domain and will keep you abreast of changes or any calls to action.
If you are frustrated with this development and want to take action please consider signing on in support of MAAIA here: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association | Tell Congress to Improve Medicare Beneficiary Access to Audiology Services. You do not need to be a member of ASHA for access.
If you would like to participate in lobbying efforts to hopefully push MAAIA across the finish lines, Academy of Doctors of Audiology has scheduled an Advocacy Briefing Town Hall for July 16th at 7pm Eastern Time. You do not need to be a member of ADA to participate and can register HERE.
Finally, we are encouraging all audiologists to contact their ENT colleagues and share the rebuttal letter written by the leaders of AAA, ADA, and ASHA, explaining the false claims made can help us move towards countering the misinformation it contains.
Now is the time to stand together and take action. Our collective voice is essential to protecting our scope of practice and ensuring patients receive the high-quality care they deserve.