ASHA Advocate: October 10, 2025
October 10, 2025
Medicare Telehealth Authority Lapses as Federal Government Shuts Down
The federal government shut down on October 1 after Congress and the President failed to agree on legislation to fund federal agencies and programs for the new fiscal year. The House passed a bill to extend funding—and continue Medicare telehealth authorities—through November 21, but the Senate has rejected that legislation and an alternative proposed by Democrats several times. Although audiologists and SLPs are expected to regain Medicare telehealth authority once the government reopens, Medicare will not reimburse services provided in the meantime. ASHA has sent letters to Congressional leaders urging them to pass legislation to resume telehealth authority.
Learn more about how the government shutdown could affect audiologists, SLPs, and those you serve.
Free Webinar on New Audiology Hearing Device Services Codes
ASHA and the American Academy of Audiology are cohosting a free webinar reviewing the 12 new audiology CPT codes that will replace 92590-92595. Spanning the full care continuum—from candidacy and device selection to fitting, verification, and follow up—these codes better reflect modern hearing device services.
Register now to join us on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 8-9 p.m. ET.
ASHA-Backed Bill Reintroduced to Improve CMV Screening and Treatment
Bipartisan legislation [PDF] introduced in the House and Senate—the Stop CMV Act (H.R. 5435/S. 2842)—would provide federal funding for state-based cytomegalovirus (CMV) screening programs to improve early detection and intervention. ASHA highlighted the importance of CMV screening during National CMV Awareness Month in June, when President Bernadette Mayfield-Clarke urged support for preventative measure to protect babies from long-term effects such as hearing loss and developmental delays.
Take action now to support this bill.
ASHA Urges Congress to Fix Problems in Military Health Care System
ASHA members provide a range of services to active-duty military members and their families who receive care through TRICARE, the military’s health care system. However, ongoing TRICARE administrative problems are delaying provider reimbursement and limiting access to care—issues that affect service members , and their families, while also undermining the health, stability, and readiness of members of the Armed Services. Consequently, ASHA sent a letter [LINK to NDAA letter] to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees supporting provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that address these challenges and urging congressional oversight to ensure they are resolved.
Take action to help fix TRICARE problems.
Working for You
- Signed a letter with the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities urging House and Senate leaders to support robust funding for and protection of federal education programs.
- Presented at the National Council of State Boards of Examiners Annual Conference and engaged with state licensing boards on issues affecting state licensure across the country.
- Sent a joint letter [PDF] with the Idaho Speech-Language-Hearing Association to Idaho Medicaid opposing proposed payment rates decreases.
- Submitted comments [PDF] to the ICD-10-CM Coordination and Maintenance Committee supporting the proposed apragmatism codes.
- Urged the Wyoming state licensing board [PDF] to ensure its regulations for audiology licensure align with national standards.
- Sent a letter of support [PDF] to New York Governor Hochul urging signature on legislation requiring insurance plans to cover habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy for stuttering.
- Opposed a Utah proposal [PDF] to move audiology and speech-language pathology licensure to mandatory certification, partnered with the Utah Speech-Language-Hearing Association to mobilize Utah members to take action.
- Presented at the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Compact Commission Annual Business Meeting to discuss Compact updates and ongoing initiatives.
Spotlight!
Kellie Ellis, a Kentucky-based SLP and member of ASHA’s Government Affairs and Public Policy Board, interviewed Dr. Deanna Frazier Gordon—an audiologist, ASHA-certified member, and Kentucky state legislator—on her journey from clinician to state legislator to congressional candidate.
