ASHA Advocate: July 18, 2025
July 18, 2025
H.R. 1 Becomes Law: What You Need to Know
H.R. 1, commonly referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, signed on July 4, makes sweeping cuts to federal programs and includes provisions that affect audiologists, SLPs, and the people you serve. While ASHA opposed many provisions in the bill that was ultimately passed, your voices—over 32,000 messages—helped shape the conversation. Learn more about this legislation.
Register for ASHA's free, live webinar on July 29, 2025, from 7-8 p.m. ET, where ASHA Advocacy will provide an overview of what to expect and answer your questions on this legislation.
Medicare Patient Choice Act Introduced
Representatives Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) and Don Davis (D-NC) have introduced the Medicare Patient Choice Act (H.R. 4024), which would allow audiologists and SLPs to opt out of Medicare enrollment just like physicians and psychologists. This change could expand access to care and reduce unnecessary limitations.
Take action in support of this bill.
Progress on Provisional Licensure and Medicare
ASHA has secured a meeting with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to address billing barriers for provisionally licensed SLPs under Medicare Part B. This follows strong advocacy efforts, including 19,631 advocates who signed our petition [PDF], support from 37 state speech-language-hearing associations who sent a letter [PDF] to CMS supporting our advocacy, and two virtual town halls held to update state licensing boards and association leaders on CMS’ policy change and ASHA’s response.
See updates on this issue.
What Does “Practicing at the Top of Your License” Mean to You?
The phrase “practicing at the top of your license” means different things to different people. ASHA’s Schools Finance Committee - charged with advising ASHA staff and members on matters related to appropriate coverage and reimbursement in school settings - would like to better understand some of the unique interpretations of this phrase.
Major CPT Code Updates for Hearing Device Services
After over 30 years, CPT® codes for hearing device services—codes 92590–92595—are being overhauled. As outlined in the proposed rule for the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, 12 new codes are being introduced for audiologists to describe professional services provided for hearing aid and hearing device-related services.
View the changes, effective January 1, 2026
Setting the Record Straight on Audiology Access
ASHA, the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), and the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) have pushed back against misleading claims made by the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) about the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act, reaffirming audiologists' role in hearing and balance care.
New AI-Driven Prior Authorization Model Pilot
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) is piloting a prior authorization model—Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) —in six states using AI to streamline coverage determinations. ASHA is monitoring the project closely due to potential future implications for members.
ASHA Is Working for You
- Advocacy wins! Nevada passed legislation to adopt the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (AB 230) and ASHA-supported legislation [PDF] requiring insurance coverage for stuttering treatment (AB 169).
- Advocacy win! Louisiana’s legislature passed HB 442, which makes important updates to the audiology practice act concerning over-the-counter hearing aids, hearing screenings, and cerumen management.
- Advocacy win! Rhode Island passed SB 471, which licenses speech-language pathology assistants—an effort ASHA supported by submitting a comment letter [PDF] in conjunction with the Rhode Island Speech and Hearing Association.
- Reviewing the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule [PDF] proposed rule for Part B services, released earlier this week. ASHA Advocacy will provide a full analysis early next week.
- Hosted a chat with ASHA CEO Vicki Deal-Williams to answer questions from ASHA members about advocacy and engagement (recording) at the state and federal levels.
- Released an informational news piece regarding reports about potential changes to employment practices and guidelines for care in Veterans Health Administration facilities.
- Provided suggested “Questions for the Record” to congressional offices for submission to the Department of Health and Human Services to obtain information about Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act program activities and funding proposals.
- Participated in the Committee for Education Funding’s Capitol Hill Day to encourage Congress to preserve critical education funding for programs like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- Signed multiple letters to Congress urging robust funding for the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittees—including support for critical health and education programs, assistive technology initiatives, and full implementation of IDEA.
- Signed a letter [PDF] urging the Office of Management and Budget and the U.S. Department of Education to immediately release the nearly $7 billion in K-12 and adult education funds it's currently withholding.
- The Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act (H.R. 2757/S. 1996) has been introduced in the House and Senate, earlier than in the previous Congress. ASHA, AAA, and ADA issued a joint statement upon introduction, while the sponsors of the Senate bill released a statement quoting ASHA President Bernadette Mayfield-Clarke.
- ASHA submitted comments to the Nevada licensing board supporting, with amendments, Nevada’s first-ever speech-language pathology assistant regulations.
- ASHA submitted comments supporting, with amendments, Texas regulations [PDF] governing speech-language pathology, audiology, and assistant licensing.
Interested in seeing other comment letters ASHA has submitted? Visit our website.
Spotlight!
Thanks to Nicole Billak, president of the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association, for trekking to Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers about issues impacting school-based SLPs, such as recently enacted Medicaid cuts and IDEA funding.
