Blackburn, Schiff, Grassley introduce legislation to improve access to care for veterans
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced the Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act to improve access to over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for eligible veterans through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):
“Every veteran deserves to receive the benefits and care they earned in a timely manner,” said Senator Blackburn. “Unfortunately, we know that veterans experiencing hearing loss often face long wait times when attempting to access the care they need, especially in rural and high-demand areas. Our bipartisan Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act would position the VA to more efficiently serve the 400,000 veterans who call Tennessee home without compromising the quality of care they receive.”
“Our servicemembers have made many sacrifices to protect Americans and our country,” said Senator Schiff. “I am proud to work with Senator Blackburn on legislation that will broaden veterans’ access to hearing aids, and ensure those who served our country have access to the health care benefits they deserve.”
“Hearing loss limits a person’s ability to participate in conversations, work productively and even travel safely,” said Senator Grassley. “That’s why I helped spearhead the effort to enact the bipartisan Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act that enhances access to high-quality, effective hearing aids. However, the millions of Americans who suffer from hearing loss, including veterans, need better access to hearing care. Our bill will help cut red tape so more veterans can access hearing aids.”
BACKGROUND
Hearing loss is by far the most prevalent service-connected disability among American veterans.
- In 2017, President Trump signed into law legislation directing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish a category of over-the-counter hearing aids for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
- While FDA-cleared OTC hearing aids are intended to expand access to hearing care options, many veterans experience long wait times for audiology appointments, particularly in rural or high-demand areas.
VETERANS HEARING AID IMPROVEMENT ACT
The Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act would establish a two-year pilot program to evaluate the use of FDA-cleared OTC hearing aids for veterans with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, subject to clinical supervision and VA oversight.
The Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act would:
Require the VA Secretary to select at least two VA medical facilities in different Veterans Integrated Services Networks to conduct the pilot; and
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- Require an interim report after the first year and a final report to Congress evaluating the program’s findings, effectiveness, and fiscal impact of the program on the VA.
Click here for bill text.
ENDORSEMENTS
This legislation is supported by the Hearing Loss Association of America, American Legion, Consumer Technology Association (CTA), and American Association of Retired Persons (AARP):
“The Hearing Loss Association of America is proud to support the Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act. Hearing loss and tinnitus are the most common service-connected disabilities, yet far too many veterans face obstacles when seeking the hearing health care they need. By allowing the Department of Veterans Affairs to evaluate the use of FDA-approved, self-fitting over‑the‑counter hearing aids, this legislation offers a practical solution that could expand access, reduce costs, and empower veterans to take an active role in managing their hearing health. We commend Senator Blackburn for her leadership and look forward to working together to get this legislation passed,” said Barbara Kelley, Executive Director, Hearing Loss Association of America.
“The American Legion is proud to support the Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act. This legislation establishes a two-year pilot program to expand access to over-the-counter, self-fitting hearing aids for veterans with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. By modernizing outdated VA processes and reducing barriers to care, this bill ensures that veterans can obtain the hearing support they need quickly and affordably… On behalf of our 1.5 million members, The American Legion thanks the sponsors of this bipartisan legislation for advancing practical, cost-effective solutions that enhance veterans’ health care and independence,” said Cole Lyle, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation (VA&R) Director, The American Legion.
“CTA strongly supports the Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act because it puts affordable, over-the-counter innovation to work for veterans,” said Kinsey Fabrizio, President, CTA. “CTA has long championed policies that expand access to safe, effective OTC hearing aids, and this legislation builds on that commitment by cutting red tape, reducing costs, and delivering faster access to hearing care for veterans—while also saving taxpayer dollars.”
“Establishing a demonstration program in the Veterans Administration to test coverage of over-the-counter hearing aids will improve the quality of life for numerous veterans. This demonstration project will also provide data and insights into how access to self-guided hearing technologies can bring value to the VA by improving health outcomes at lower costs,” said Megan O’Reilly, Vice President of Government Affairs, AARP, in a letter to Senator Blackburn. “The demonstration project created by this bill will test the benefit of professional-fitted prescription hearing aids compared to self-guided over-the-counter hearing aids. Learnings from this two-year demonstration will help guide policy and coverage decisions so that more Americans can have access to affordable, high-quality hearing health care. AARP applauds your bipartisan leadership in caring for our nation’s military service members and your interest in improving hearing health for all Americans.”
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