MAAIA SUPPORT STATEMENT

Our Position
The Minnesota Academy of Audiology strongly endorses the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act (H.R. 2757/S. 2377).[1] This legislation will eliminate outdated barriers that prevent Medicare beneficiaries from accessing timely hearing and balance care and eliminate unnecessary financial and administrative burdens for patients and providers.[2,3]

Why This Matters
Current Medicare policy unnecessarily requires physician referrals for audiology services that audiologists already provide independently to all other patients. This can lead to delays and increased costs for older adult patients. The joint AAA, ADA, and ASHA response directly refutes safety concerns, showing that MAAIA maintains high care standards while eliminating unnecessary barriers.[4]

Audiologists are doctoral-level professionals licensed in all 50 states. MAAIA simply aligns Medicare policy with existing state scope of practice laws and puts audiologists on equal footing with other non-physician practitioners.

Take Action

• Contact Your Representatives and get involved!
• Read the Rebuttal: AAA/ADA/ASHA Response to AAO-HNS Opposition.
• Join the Minnesota Academy of Audiology or your state organization: Your dues fund our lobbyist and efforts to monitor and advance professional and practice concerns.

References: 

1. Rep. Bilirakis, G. M. [R-F.-12. (2025, April 9). H.R.2757 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025 (2025-04-09) [Legislation]. [link]
2. Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025. (n.d.). American Academy of Audiology. Retrieved July 23, 2025, from [link]
3. Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act. (n.d.). Retrieved July 23, 2025, from [link]
4. Amlani, Amyn; Gaffney, Patricia; Mayfield-Clarke, A.B. (n.d.). AAA, ADA and ASHA Join Letter. Retrieved July 23, 2025, from [link]