by Envoy Medical Staff Member, on January 15, 2025
Last year on February 6th, 2024, Representatives Michelle Fischbach (R-MN) and Angie Craig (D-MN) introduced the Hearing Device Coverage Clarification Act in the House of Representatives.
Why Is the Bill Important?
The Hearing Device Coverage Clarification Act is a crucial legislative proposal aimed at redefining the classification and coverage of specific hearing devices under Medicare. It seeks to clarify that fully implanted active middle ear hearing devices should be categorized as prosthetics rather than hearing aids, thereby qualifying them for Medicare coverage.
Have you ever questioned why the hearing loss sector lags in medical device innovation compared to other fields? A significant piece of this puzzle is the absence of comprehensive insurance coverage.
Since 1965, Medicare has excluded hearing aids from coverage. Although the FDA classifies fully implanted active middle ear implants like the Esteem® implant as a prosthetic, CMS still labels it as a hearing aid, limiting access for those beneficiaries who are unable to use or manage traditional aids and stifling industry innovation.
- Hearing loss is the third most common chronic condition in the United States, twice as prevalent as diabetes or cancer.
- Aging significantly impacts hearing, with 22% of adults aged 65-74 and 55% of those 75+ experiencing disabling hearing loss.
- Research has shown a link between hearing loss and dementia, depression, anxiety, and falls which result in higher healthcare costs and diminished quality of life.
While the Hearing Device Coverage Clarification Act is expected to be reintroduced to this new 119th Congress, there have been several promising developments and stories of support that highlight its potential impact:
Increased Awareness and Advocacy: The introduction of the bill last Congress has significantly raised awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with severe hearing loss. Advocacy groups and medical professionals have rallied behind the legislation, emphasizing the need for accessible and affordable advanced hearing devices.
Bipartisan Support: The bill has strong bipartisan support, particularly among Minnesota's congressional delegation. Representatives Michelle Fischbach and Angie Craig along with Senators Amy Klobuchar and James Lankford have been vocal advocates, highlighting the importance of reclassifying fully implanted hearing devices as prosthetics
Positive Feedback from the Medical Community: Medical professionals, patient groups, and advocacy organizations have also expressed strong support for the legislation. All believe that reclassifying these devices will encourage innovation and improve the quality of life for many individuals who are unable to use or manage a hearing aid leaving them untreated.
Patients and loved ones with hearing loss: Esteem patients have written letters, called their representatives, and shared their stories. The patient experience has always been a powerful way to advocate.
What happens Next?
We expect this legislation to be re-introduced in the coming months. Last Congress, this legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Reps. Michelle Fischbach and Angie Craig, both of Minnesota. Similar legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and James Lankford of Oklahoma.
As we await the reintroduction of the bill, we invite you or your loved ones to share your experiences. If you're interested in providing your story, statements, or testimonial, please reach out to us at info@envoymedical.com.
The Hearing Device Coverage Clarification Act has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of those with severe hearing loss. However, it requires support to move through the legislative process and become law. Advocacy and public support are crucial. By raising awareness and encouraging others to support this Act, we can help ensure that everyone has access to the hearing solutions they need.
