How HR 2757 changes current law

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill expands Medicare coverage to include audiology services and provides regulations for their payment and delivery by qualified audiologists.

• 42 U.S.C. 1395x(s)(2)

  (KK) audiology services (as defined in subsection (ll)(3));

  Adds audiology services to the list of covered medical services under Medicare.

• 42 U.S.C. 1395x(ll)(3)

  the term 'audiology services' means such hearing and balance assessment services. → The term 'audiology services' means such hearing and balance assessment services furnished on or before December 31, 2026, and beginning January 1, 2027, such diagnostic or treatment services furnished by a qualified audiologist which the qualified audiologist is legally authorized to perform under State law (or the regulatory mechanism provided by State law), as would otherwise be covered if furnished by a physician or as incident to a physician's service. A qualified audiologist shall be permitted to furnish such audiology services without regard to any requirement that the individual receiving such audiology services is under the care of (or referred by) a physician or other health care practitioner or that such services are furnished under the supervision of a physician or other health care practitioner.

  Defines audiology services to include diagnostics and treatments provided by qualified audiologists without the need for physician referral.

• 42 U.S.C. 1395l(a)(1)

  and (II) with respect to audiology services furnished under section 1861(s)(2)(KK), the amounts paid shall be 80 percent of the lesser of the actual charge for the services or the fee schedule amount provided under section 1848.

  Establishes payment rates for audiology services at 80% under Medicare.

• 42 U.S.C. 1395u(b)(18)(C)

  (ix) A qualified audiologist (as defined in section 1861(ll)(4)(B)).

  Includes qualified audiologists as eligible providers for payment on an assignment-related basis.

• 42 U.S.C. 1395x(aa)(1)(B)

  by a qualified audiologist (as defined in subsection (ll)(4)(B)),

  Allows qualified audiologists to be included as practitioners under Rural Health Clinics (RHC) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC).

• Nothing in the amendments made by this section shall be construed to expand the scope of audiologist services or services for which payment may be made to other providers under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.) beyond those services for which such payment may be made as of December 31, 2026.

  Clarifies that the bill does not expand the scope of services beyond those covered as of the specified date.

• The amendments made by this section shall apply to items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2027.

  Sets an effective date for the new services and regulations starting January 1, 2027.