Hearing Device Coverage Clarification Act
Sponsored By: Representative Fischbach
Introduced
Summary
Clarifies that fully implanted active middle ear hearing devices should be treated as prosthetics for Medicare coverage. It would direct the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to issue a policy clarification within 60 days after enactment that these devices are not subject to the Social Security Act hearing aid exclusion and to anchor the prosthetic definition to 42 C.F.R. §414.202.
Show full summary
- Medicare beneficiaries: Seniors and people with disabilities could see expanded access and lower out-of-pocket costs if these implanted devices are covered as prosthetics.
- CMS and rule writers: Would need to publish a coverage clarification within 60 days that aligns Medicare determinations with the federal prosthetic definition in 42 C.F.R. §414.202.
- Coverage classification: Moves fully implanted active middle ear devices out of the hearing-aid exclusion and into the prosthetic category, which could change how Medicare evaluates and pays claims.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Medicare could cover implanted ear devices
If enacted, CMS would have 60 days to issue guidance. It would say fully implanted active middle ear devices are prosthetics, not hearing aids. That means they would not fall under Medicare’s hearing aid exclusion. Medicare could then consider covering these implanted devices. The rule would use the existing federal definition of prosthetic.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Fischbach
MN • R
Cosponsors
Craig
MN • D
Sponsored 3/6/2025
Finstad
MN • R
Sponsored 11/18/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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