Abstract
Implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) impacts the profession of audiology beyond individual audiology practice patterns in the clinic. The legislation and further required implementation of the ACA may dictate coverage of audiologic services and devices now and into the future. Audiologic (re)habilitative services and devices have not historically been covered and are unlikely included in benchmark plans. Under the current language of the ACA, states without mandated coverage of hearing healthcare prior to 2011 will face significant challenges in creating mandates. Arguments for including audiologic services and devices as an Essential Health Benefit (EHB) include quality care, improved patient outcomes, and improved consistency in coverage patterns across the United States. Due to the limited definition of EHB from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and loopholes in plans required to follow ACA guidelines, it is very possible that the inconsistencies across plans and states may increase and that financial repercussions at the state level may hinder passage of state-level mandated coverage of hearing healthcare.
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