On July 16, 2021, the Nova Southeastern University Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) chapter held their annual Capitol Hill Day through a completely virtual format. Students and professors started out the day with an advocacy overview with the Academy’s Senior Director of Government Relations Susan Pilch, JD.
Students, professors, and Academy staff then attended virtual meetings with the offices of five senators and one congressman: Senator Cornyn (TX), Senator King (ME), Senator Gillibrand (NY), Senator Warnock (GA), Senator Toomey (PA), and Representative Golden (ME). During these meetings, Nova student audiologists focused on highlighting the importance of the Medicare Audiologist Access and Services Act of 2021 (H.R. 1587/S. 1731).
They impressed upon the members of these congressional offices that this legislation would modernize how Medicare approaches audiology and would: re-classify audiologists from “supplier” to “practitioner,” allow audiologists to provide and be reimbursed for both diagnostic and treatment services, and allow beneficiaries to directly access the services of an audiologist.
The student audiologists also provided an overview and highlighted the key points of the Allied Health Workforce Diversity Act (H.R. 3320/S. 1679) and Ally’s Act (H.R. 477/S. 41). This was the first visit with Capitol Hill staff for many of the students and they were very pleased to be able to advocate for the profession of audiology and share their points of view.
Related Posts
Supplemental Benefits In Medicare Advantage (Hearing, Vision, Dental) Under Discussion
On November 4, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) discussed how to standardize a set of three or four benefits—potentially hearing, vision and dental services—in Medicare Advantage (MA) for a future recommendation to Congress after MedPAC staff found that people have a more challenging time comparing plans when they have a variety of options. MedPAC…
Academy Provides Recommendations to Congress on Reforming the Medicare Physician Payment System
The Academy submitted comments in response to a congressional Request for Information (RFI) seeking suggestions on how to stabilize the Medicare physician payment system, including reforming the current payment structure so it supports a system that provides greater value to patients and to clinicians. The Academy provided specific recommendations on the Medicare Physician Payment System…
Have You Heard?
An Update for Academy Members from the Academy’s Executive Director
By Patrick Gallagher, MBA, Executive Director Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids (HAs) became officially available on Monday, October 17, 2022, and their introduction has been met with much fanfare in the media. Within the Academy community, the reaction has been more measured. The Academy has recognized that OTC HAs may be a way for adults to…