S. 1996 — Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025

This section establishes Medicare Part B coverage for audiology services (i.e., hearing and balance assessment services and, beginning January 1, 2027, treatment services furnished by qualified audiologists legally authorized under state law, as would otherwise be covered if furnished by a physician), without requiring physician oversight, referral, or supervision. It sets payment at 80% of the lesser of the actual charge or the physician fee schedule amount; authorizes payment on an assignment-related basis; includes qualified audiologists as practitioners eligible for payment in rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers; and applies these changes to services furnished on or after January 1, 2027, without expanding the scope of audiology benefits beyond those payable as of December 31, 2026.