ASHA Advocate: September 1, 2022
September 1, 2022
The Top Line
The U.S. Department of Education recently announced a new opportunity for borrowers to have a portion of their federal student loans canceled and indicated that the current pause on student loan repayment will be extended one final time through the end of 2022. The announcement also proposed new rules for other loan repayment programs to reduce future monthly payments and make it easier for borrowers working in public service to have their loans forgiven. Learn more about these opportunities and deadlines for seeking relief.
Fight for Improved Audiology Access
Medicare is proposing to remove the physician order requirement for select audiology hearing assessment services in 2023. However, it is proposing to use a G-code for billing and reimbursement purposes, which could negatively affect payment rates and beneficiary cost sharing. ASHA is asking audiologists to submit a prewritten comment letter with specific recommendations to make sure direct access provisions meet the needs of both patients and audiologists. Public comments will be accepted through September 6. Submit your letter today!
Senate Committee Releases Education and Health Funding Bill
The Senate Appropriations Committee has released its bill [PDF] to fund the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services for Fiscal Year 2023. The Senate legislation provides funding above last year’s amounts for important programs like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act. The House Appropriations Committee advanced its funding bill earlier this year. There is still time to take action to ensure these programs are appropriately funded.
Working for You
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released its long-awaited final rule establishing a regulatory category for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. ASHA will be summarizing the guidance and potential practice implications for members. Audiologists are encouraged to begin utilizing the resources in ASHA’s OTC Hearing Aid Toolkit.
- The majority (93%) of federal lawmakers whom ASHA’s political action committee has supported won their primary elections. These elections determine the candidates who will be on the ballot in November’s congressional elections. ASHA-PAC financially supports federal candidates who champion issues important to audiologists and SLPs.
- Thanks to members of the School Finance Committee for participating in a virtual advocacy event urging Congress to provide more support for ASHA’s educational audiologists and school-based SLPs. Take action on these and other issues now.
Spotlight!
Thank you, Katie, for being a leading advocate!
"ASHA advocacy has provided me the support I need to both further my practice and provide for the needs of my patients."
—Dr. Katie Kendhammer, CCC-A, Government Affairs and Public Policy Board member.
