ASHA Continues Push for Medicare Payment Increase

The Top Line

Congress has passed legislation to fund the federal government through September 30, 2025. Although the law extended Medicare telehealth authority for audiologists and speech-language pathologists through that period, it did not reverse Medicare Part B payment cuts that took effect at the start of the year.

When Will Congress Act?

It’s not clear whether, when, or how Congress may address Medicare payment cuts moving forward, but there are signs that lawmakers may take action on this issue. For example, Representative Greg Murphy (R-NC) is the sponsor of H.R. 879, the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025, which would eliminate the 2.8% cut in 2025 and provide a payment increase based on medical inflation. Murphy has said he secured a commitment from House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to address the cuts as part of unrelated budget or government funding legislation expected to be considered later this year.

What Is ASHA Doing to Increase Medicare Payments?

ASHA Advocacy staff and volunteers have gone to Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers and congressional staff while ASHA members have sent thousands of letters to Congress demanding better Medicare payment rates. ASHA is also working with other allied stakeholders to pressure Congress to act [PDF].

We will continue fighting for Congress to provide higher Medicare payments for audiology and speech-language pathology services as soon as possible.

What Can You Do?

You can send a message to your members of Congress urging them to reverse Medicare Part B payment cuts now. You can also meet with your representatives in person, visit Capitol Hill, or check out other ASHA Advocacy resources.

Questions?

For questions about Medicare payment legislation or additional information, contact Josh Krantz, ASHA’s director of federal affairs, health care, at jkrantz@asha.org.