Audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) were set to experience significant payment reductions for Medicare Part B (outpatient) services beginning in 2021. After extensive advocacy by ASHA and other stakeholders, Congress passed legislation significantly reducing the cuts for 2021. However, the cuts will return without additional action from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or Congress to find short- and long-term policy solutions. See ASHA’s update page for the most current information and advocacy activities.
ASHA engaged in ongoing advocacy with House and Senate members and staff directly and as part of a broad coalition of physician and nonphysician groups urging Congress to seek solutions—such as waiving the budget neutrality mandate or holding affected providers harmless—to preserve payment increases for primary care services without the negative impact to other provider groups, including audiology and speech-language pathology.
ASHA engaged in ongoing advocacy with CMS and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) directly and as part of a broad coalition of physician and nonphysician groups to find regulatory solutions to preserve payment increases for primary care services without the negative impact to other provider groups, including audiology and speech-language pathology.