ASHA Advocate: March 14, 2025
March 14, 2025
What’s to Come for Medicare
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution (CR) extending Medicare telehealth authority for audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to September 30, 2025. The CR has moved on to the Senate. If Congress doesn’t agree on and pass government funding legislation by midnight tonight, the federal government will shut down. Learn more about the potential outcomes and what that means for you here.
ASHA Advocacy is closely monitoring the situation and will update this information and our resources as we learn more.
Advocates Invited to Medicaid Day of Action on March 18
Join advocates nationwide for a day of action for Medicaid on March 18. Medicaid, which provides services for over 70 million Americans, is at risk for severe cuts. You can make your voice heard by writing or calling your legislators to urge them to protect and preserve Medicaid.
Looking for more information on current Medicaid policy and political landscape? Check out the recording of ASHA Advocacy’s recent webinar, “Proposed Medicaid Funding Changes Ahead: What Audiologists and SLPs Need to Know,” where we break down what’s happening, what ASHA is doing, and how you can get involved.
ASHA-PAC Honoree Application Now Open!
The ASHA-PAC Excellence in Advocacy Honor recognizes ASHA members who have made significant contributions by engaging in political, professional, and/or grassroots advocacy activities. The PAC recognizes both federal and state advocacy work. Honorees are recognized during the PAC reception at ASHA’s convention. Learn more and apply here.
Protect the Department of Education
ASHA strongly supports an independent, cabinet-level U.S. Department of Education. We are very concerned about what the current labor and budget cuts to the Department of Education could mean. ASHA is dedicated to protecting our professions and the people you serve and will continue to fight efforts to eliminate the department and other efforts to reduce its role.
Help elevate our message by urging your legislators to protect the Department of Education and its critical role.
Members Report TRICARE Issues
ASHA members who are TRICARE providers have reported that they haven’t received payments since January 1, 2025. They’re also facing credentialing delays and errors and problems with the claims portal. They join several thousand other TRICARE providers from other specialties who are having the same problems.
ASHA Advocacy has sent letters to TRICARE contractors detailing ASHA member challenges and recently met with TriWest Health Alliance, the current TRICARE West contractor, to discuss and problem-solve issues of non-payment, delayed credentialing, technical portal issues, and lack of communication. Learn more about how ASHA is advocating for a resolution to these problems, what you can do, and how to share your story with us here.
Department of Health and Human Services Signals Changes to Rulemaking Process
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a policy statement in the Federal Register rescinding the Richardson Waiver. This raises serious questions about the public’s ability to provide feedback on regulations to avoid any negative or unintended consequences. ASHA regularly submits comments to HHS on proposed rules, and many of our comments have led to positive changes in final rules.
It’s not clear how this will impact ASHA’s ability to advocate for you through the rulemaking process, but we are closely monitoring the situation and continuing to advocate for open communication. Learn more about what this means and what you can do here.
Working for You
- Wrote a letter of support for Nevada Senate Bill 174 [PDF], with amendments, which includes a definition of the category of private instructional personnel who may serve pupils with autism spectrum disorders.
- Presented to the Board of Directors SLP Subcommittee on legislative/regulatory issues regarding speech-language pathology assistants.
- Commented on AB 177 in Nevada, supporting the licensing of SLPAs but opposing provisions that expand the scope of practice of hearing instrument specialists inconsistent with their education and training.
- Submitted a letter of support for Nevada Assembly Bill 169 [PDF] requiring insurance plans to include coverage for habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering.
- Sent letters to the 17 state attorneys general [PDF] involved in the Texas v Becerra lawsuit that threatens Section 504 protections for people with disabilities. ASHA requested that they withdraw from the suit and defend protections for all people with disabilities.
- Recorded two webinars titled “How SLPs Get Paid” and “How Audiologists Get Paid” for the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CAPCSD). You can watch them for free on the CAPCSD website.
- Signed a letter to members of the U.S. Senate opposing a congressional resolution that would overturn last year’s Federal Communications Commission’s E-Rate hotspot decision, which allows schools and libraries to obtain E-Rate funding to provide wireless internet hotspot devices and service to students, school staff, and library patrons in need.
- Updated a campaign for members to take action on legislation to expand educational and professional opportunities.
Spotlight!
Members of ASHA’s Health Care Economics Committee (HCEC) took to Capitol Hill with ASHA Advocacy staff to advocate for higher Medicare payments, permanent Medicare telehealth authority, and preserving Medicaid. Thank you, HCEC, for your continued advocacy!
