What is the new hearing aid law 2025?

Federal Hearing Aid Coverage Proposal — Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2025

In January 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives introduced H.R. 500, officially named the Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2025.

Key features of this proposed law:

• It would change Medicare rules to allow coverage of hearing aids and related hearing exams, which traditional Medicare currently does not cover.

• The bill would remove the existing exclusion in the Social Security Act that prevents Medicare from paying for hearing aids and hearing tests.

• It directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study of programs that help people with hearing loss obtain hearing aids and related exams — including how many people need them and how effective current programs are.

• If the bill becomes law, the changes could take effect in 2026 or later, depending on the legislative timeline.

This federal proposal would be a major development for seniors and anyone on Medicare who currently pays out-of-pocket for hearing aids, tests, and fittings.

Ohio’s New Hearing Aid Coverage Law — Madeline’s Law

Ohio has already made a change at the state level with Madeline’s Law (Ohio House Bill 315), signed by Governor Mike DeWine and now in effect as of April 3, 2025.

Here’s how it helps Ohio families:

• Private health plans in Ohio must now cover hearing aids and related services for individuals 21 years old and younger.

• Plans must provide up to $2,500 per hearing-impaired ear every 48 months for a covered person under 21.

• Coverage includes related services — such as assessments, fittings, and adjustments — when prescribed or recommended by a licensed audiologist or ENT physician.

This new Ohio requirement helps families reduce the financial burden of hearing aids for children and young adults, making access easier through insurance plans.

(Note: this state law applies to insured plans in Ohio and does not affect self-funded employer plans under federal ERISA rules.)

What This Means for Hearing Patients in Gahanna & Columbus, Ohio

1. Medicare Beneficiaries Might See Coverage Changes Soon

If the federal Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2025 becomes law, traditional Medicare could begin covering:

• Hearing aids

• Hearing exams

• Related audiology services

This would be a huge shift from current rules, which generally don’t cover these services.

2. Ohio Young Adults & Children Already Benefit

Thanks to Madeline’s Law (HB 315), Ohio health plans must now help cover the cost of hearing aids and fittings for people under 21.

3. Ongoing Policy Developments Could Expand Audiology Access

Other related bills — like the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025 — aim to enhance Medicare’s coverage of audiology services and broaden access for seniors and other beneficiaries.

Absolute Hearing Solutions — Your Local Hearing Experts in Gahanna, Ohio

Whether you’re:

• a Medicare beneficiary curious about future coverage changes,

• a parent seeking hearing aid assistance for your child, or

• an adult in Columbus or Central Ohio wanting a comprehensive hearing exam…

Our team at Absolute Hearing Solutions in Gahanna, Ohio is here to help.

We offer personalized hearing evaluations, expert hearing aid recommendations, insurance guidance, and ongoing care to support your long-term hearing health.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Hearing Aid Law

Q: What exactly is the Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2025?
This federal bill introduced in January 2025 aims to allow Medicare to cover hearing aids and hearing exams — something traditional Medicare currently excludes. It also requires a GAO study on hearing aid assistance programs.

Q: Does Ohio already cover hearing aids?
Yes. As of April 3, 2025, Ohio House Bill 315 (Madeline’s Law) requires most private health benefit plans to cover hearing aids and related services for those under 21.

Q: When will Medicare coverage change?
The Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2025 would need to pass both houses of Congress and be signed by the President. If enacted, changes could begin as early as 2026.