H.R.1921 - Hearing Device Coverage Clarification Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1921, the Hearing Device Coverage Clarification Act, directs the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to clarify that fully implanted active middle ear hearing devices are prosthetics. This clarification ensures these devices are not subject to the hearing aid coverage exclusion under the Medicare program.
The bill defines "prosthetic" according to existing regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations. The bill requires the CMS Administrator to make this clarification within 60 days of the Act's enactment.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Committee on Ways and Means.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to expand Medicare coverage to include fully implanted active middle ear hearing devices. This would make these devices more accessible to Medicare beneficiaries who need them.
This clarification could lead to increased demand for these devices and potentially spur innovation in hearing aid technology. It may also result in increased costs to the Medicare program, although the extent of this increase is not specified in the bill.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to advanced hearing technology for Medicare beneficiaries.
- Improved quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.
- Potential for innovation and growth in the hearing device industry.
- Reduced financial burden on individuals who require these devices.
- Alignment with the goal of promoting the general welfare by improving healthcare access.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in Medicare costs, which could strain the program's budget.
- Possible administrative burden on CMS to implement the clarification.
- Limited impact, as it only addresses a specific type of hearing device.
- Potential for increased demand to outstrip supply, leading to delays in access.
- The bill does not address the affordability of the devices themselves, only the coverage under Medicare.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the spirit of the Constitution, particularly the Preamble's call to "promote the general Welfare" by improving healthcare access for seniors. Congress has the power to legislate on matters related to Medicare under its enumerated powers, specifically the power to tax and spend for the general welfare (Article I, Section 8).
The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. It falls within the scope of Congress's authority to regulate healthcare programs and does not raise concerns related to individual liberties or states' rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).