ASHA Advocate: August 8, 2025
August 8, 2025
Clinical Fellows Cleared to Bill Medicare
Advocacy win! Following extensive advocacy by ASHA, its members, and key stakeholder groups, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has reversed its previous interpretation of the term “licensed.” The previous interpretation excluded provisional licensees, including clinical fellows (CFs), from being recognized as qualified Medicare providers. Now, CFs are allowed to bill Medicare Part B as long as they’re licensed in their state.
Thank you to the nearly 20,000 ASHA advocates and 36 state associations who signed petitions and joined us in calling on CMS to make this change!
Congress Must Act to Protect Medicare Telehealth Services for Audiologists and SLPs
Time is running out to ensure Medicare beneficiaries can continue to receive audiology and speech-language pathology services through telehealth. Unless Congress takes action, the current authority allowing audiologists and SLPs to bill Medicare Part B for telehealth services will expire on September 30, 2025.
Medicare Issues Proposed Rules for 2026
CMS has released the proposed 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). The changes would permanently cover telehealth CPT codes used by audiologists and SLPs, update payment rates, add new hearing device services codes, and more. CMS also proposed updates to outpatient hospital department services.
Interstate Compact Commission Issues Quarterly Update
The Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC) Commission has released its latest quarterly newsletter [PDF]. Highlights include progress on CompactConnect, the secure data platform that will enable states to verify licensure status, grant privileges to practice across state lines, and maintain strong communication, all in real time. Learn more about the ASLP-IC and operationalization here.
Legislation to Improve Access to Implantable Hearing Devices Introduced
U.S. Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO) has reintroduced ASHA-supported legislation known as Ally’s Act (H.R. 4606). This bill would require private insurers to cover osseointegrated hearing devices (including bone-anchored hearing aids and cochlear implants) and related services provided by audiologists. Learn more about Ally’s Act and the Colorado girl who inspired it—and take action to support this bill today.
ASHA Is Working for You
- Attended a Capitol Hill forum highlighting the role of public education and the importance of funding programs—like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act—that support student achievement and success.
- Partnered with TRICARE stakeholders sent letters to the House and Senate Armed Services Committee urging Congress to correct ongoing issues with provider payment, claims processing, and payer communication.
- Continued outreach to raise awareness that CPT code 92507 remains active while under review by the American Medical Association’s CPT Editorial Panel.
- Hosted Lori-Ann Ferraro, South Carolina’s State Advocate for Reimbursement, on Capitol Hill for meetings with legislators to discuss issues impacting audiologists and SLPs.
- Participated in the CMS Quality Conference focusing on the role of audiology and speech-language pathology in primary and preventative care, value-based payment models, and the future of tech in health care.
- Celebrated Medicare and Medicaid’s 60th anniversary by encouraging ASHA members and the community to advocate to protect these vital health insurance programs.
- Continued outreach for members to provide input through the Federal and State Policy Impact Member Feedback Form. This information helps shape our advocacy work. We want to hear from you!
Interested in seeing other comment letters ASHA has submitted? Visit our website.
Spotlight!
ASHA Advocacy staff exhibited at the 2025 National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit. This conference gives us the opportunity to connect with state legislators and legislative staff on issues important to audiologists, SLPs, and assistants. Thank you to the president and president-elect of the Massachusetts Speech-Language Hearing Association for joining us!
