S 2446 — Medicare Audiologist Access and Services Act of 2019

Summary

Medicare Audiologist Access and Services Act of 2019 This bill provides for Medicare coverage of certain audiologist services. Specifically, the bill expands coverage to include diagnostic and treatment services that are furnished by audiologists and that would otherwise be covered if provided by a physician, including incidental services, regardless of whether such services are provided pursuant to a referral from, or under the supervision of, a physician or other health care practitioner.

Bill Text

• Introduced Introduced in Senate Current html September 09, 2019

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

The bill expands Medicare coverage to include audiologist services and removes the requirement for a physician referral for such services.

• 42 U.S.C. 1395x(s)

  but excluding services furnished by a qualified audiologist → but excluding services furnished by a qualified audiologist

  Clarifies that certain services are not covered if furnished by a qualified audiologist.

• 42 U.S.C. 1395x(s)

  and → and

  Adds additional coverage categories for clarity.

• 42 U.S.C. 1395x(s)

  the period. → the period; and

  Continues the list for additional definitions.

• 42 U.S.C. 1395x(s)

  audiologist services (as defined in subsection (ll)(3)).

  Defines audiologist services under Medicare.

• 42 U.S.C. 1395x(ll)

  supervised by a qualified audiologist under the supervision of a physician or other health care practitioner → supervised by a qualified audiologist but excluding services supervised by a qualified audiologist under the supervision of a physician or other health care practitioner

  Clarifies the supervision requirements for audiologist services.

• 42 U.S.C. 1395k(a)(2)(B)(iii)

  audiologist services,

  Lists audiologist services in the schedule of covered services.

• 42 U.S.C. 1395l(a)(1)

  and → and (DD) with respect to audiologist services furnished under section 1861(s)(2)(II), 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

  Adds payment conditions for audiologist services.

• 42 U.S.C. 1395u(b)(18)(C)

  An audiologist.

  Allows audiologists to be recognized under payment assignments.

• 42 U.S.C. 1395w-4(j)(3)

  (2)(II),

  Updates payment provisions to include audiologist services.

Action History

1. September 09, 2019

   Introduced in Senate

2. September 09, 2019

   Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Sponsors

• Elizabeth Warren · Primary

Subjects