Help Support the Hearing Device Coverage Clarification Act!
Despite the incredible progress in medical device technology and innovation across multiple medical domains, individuals suffering from hearing loss have unfortunately not experienced the same level of advancement. Hearing loss stands as the third most prevalent chronic health condition in the United States1, yet there remains a scarcity of innovative solutions and access is limited due to insufficient insurance coverage.
The Hearing Device Coverage Clarification Act seeks to clarify that fully implanted active middle ear hearing devices are prosthetics and not subject to the current Medicare hearing aid coverage exclusion.
The success of this bill's passing is dependent upon gathering widespread support.
1. Blackwell DL, Lucas JW, Clarke TC. Summary health statistics for US adults: National Health Interview Survey, 2012. Vital Health Stat 10. 2014;260:1-161
Please note: We have a new congress for 2025. We expect this legislation to be re-introduced in the coming months, please stay tuned!
The Social Security Act of 1965 excluded hearing aids, eyeglasses, and dental care from being covered benefits under Medicare and Medicaid. However, the FDA has recognized the Esteem® fully implanted active middle ear implant (FI-AMEI) as a prosthetic, distinguishing it from a hearing aid. Unfortunately, the Center for Medicare Services (CMS) has classified the Esteem implant as a hearing aid, excluding it from coverage. This classification prevents individuals with hearing loss from accessing an alternative solution.
View the press release for H.R. 7254
View the press release for S.4829
Envoy Medical believes this inappropriate classification has resulted in breakthrough hearing technologies not being available to Medicare beneficiaries and has hindered innovation and competition in the hearing device marketplace.
We believe this legislation will unlock access to critical technology, sparking greater innovation, fostering healthy competition, and delivering more solutions for the nearly 40 million Americans grappling with disabling hearing loss.
You can play a vital role in supporting this bill by reaching out to your representatives. Inform them about the bill and explain how the lack of access to this advanced technology impacts your health, quality of life, or the well-being of loved ones living with hearing loss. Urge them to co-sponsor H.R. 7254 or S. 4929 The Hearing Device Coverage Clarification Act
If you want to help support this bill click the link below and we will send you instructions and letter templates.
If you’re an existing patient with an Esteem implant, you can email us at customerservice@envoymedical.com