ASHA Advocate: November 14, 2025
November 14, 2025
Help Shape ASHA’s 2027–2028 Public Policy Agenda
We want to hear from you! ASHA’s Government Affairs and Public Policy Board is developing the 2027–2028 Public Policy Agenda—and your feedback drives the process. Take 15–20 minutes to complete ASHA’s Advocacy Priorities Survey by December 12, 2025, and help shape our advocacy focus at the state and federal levels. Every response matters.
CMS Releases 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) final rule, effective January 1, 2026. Despite advocacy efforts, all providers paid under the MPFS face continued downward pressure on reimbursement unless Congress intervenes. Audiologists and SLPs may see payment cuts of up to 4%. CMS did finalize permanent inclusion of audiology and speech-language pathology CPT codes on the Medicare Telehealth Services List. However, Congress must still extend or make permanent telehealth billing authority for both professions.
Learn more about what was finalized in the rule and take action today.
Support Key Priorities for the Professions During Capitol Hill Day
On Wednesday, November 19, more than 300 ASHA advocates are going to Capitol Hill to call on Congress to advance legislation that expands coverage of and reimbursement for audiology and speech-language pathology services and protects key programs that ensure access to those services, especially in schools. You can amplify their message by visiting ASHA’s take action page throughout the week and sending your federal lawmakers messages on these issues.
Federal Government Shutdown Comes to an End
The 43-day federal government shutdown—the longest in history—has officially ended. Congress and the President agreed to fund most federal agencies through January 30, 2026. The agreement restarts and extends Medicare telehealth authority for audiologists and SLPs through that period with the expectation that the next government funding bill would also include such authority. It also rescinds the previous firing of federal workers across departments and agencies who administer key programs like IDEA while preventing the Administration from enacting future wide-scale reductions in force through at least January 30. Democrats secured a promise from Senate Republicans to vote on legislation in December extending expiring subsidies to lower health insurance premiums, though without guarantee of its approval by the Senate or consideration in the House.
Learn more about the shutdown and what ASHA Advocacy has been doing.
ASHA Fights for Higher Loan Limits for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Degrees
ASHA is advocating to ensure that legislation enacted earlier this year—which imposes new borrowing caps for graduate and professional students—allows audiology and speech-language pathology students to borrow at the highest possible level to pay for the costs of their programs. ASHA has led and signed multiple letters, met with key members of Congress, and urged the Department of Education to recognize the need for higher loan limits. While the Administration's current proposal does not yet include these programs, there is still time to act.
Visit the Advocacy and PAC Booth at ASHA Convention
Heading to ASHA’s Convention in Washington, DC? Stop by booth #2441 in the exhibit hall to connect with ASHA Advocacy staff. Learn how to get involved, donate to ASHA-PAC, write a letter to your legislator, or simply get your questions answered!
Working for You
- Participated in congressional meetings with staff from the American Academy of Audiology and Academy of Doctors of Audiology to build support for the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act.
- Signed a letter to House and Senate leaders circulated by the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities urging Congress to permanently extend Affordable Care Act Advance Premium Tax Credits to help lower rising health care premiums.
- Prepared ASHA advocates participating in ASHA’s 2025 Capitol Hill Day for what will be ASHA’s largest ever congressional fly-in.
- Briefed members of the Washington Speech-Language-Hearing Association for upcoming congressional meetings.
- Participated with the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association in the Pennsylvania Tri Alliance meeting with Highmark to advocate for fair payment in upcoming value-based payment models for therapy.
- Participated in the National Association of Rehabilitation Providers and Agencies Value-Based Payment Model Committee call to discuss recent changes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
Spotlight!
Marian Lowther, a Florida-based SLP and seasoned ASHA and FLASHA advocate, interviewed Jennifer Jenkins—an ASHA-certified SLP—on her journey from clinician to congressional candidate.
