Make a Difference: Help Make MAAIA a Reality

Make a Difference: Help Make MAAIA a Reality

Dawn Heiman, Au.D.

I trust this message finds you well and that you are enjoying Audiology Practices, your source for the latest developments, insights, and best practices in the field of audiology. As your President, I am honored to share some exciting news and a call to action that directly impacts our profession.

This year marks a significant milestone as we find ourselves closer than ever to achieving three pivotal objectives:

  1. Securing direct access for our patients with Medicare Part B,
  2. Reimbursement for our full scope of practice within Medicare Part B, and
  3. Practitioner classification for audiologists under Medicare Part B.

On July 17, 2023, the bipartisan Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act (MAAIA) was introduced in the U.S. Senate. This legislative initiative could redefine the future of audiology healthcare. However, achieving our goals requires a collective effort, and this is where your support and involvement become paramount.

How You Can Make a Difference:

  1. Financial Contributions: Your financial support will play a pivotal role in advancing our advocacy efforts, outreach campaigns, and educational initiatives aimed at informing lawmakers about the importance of the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act. Every contribution, big or small, will contribute to our shared success. Donate today at https://www.audiologist.org/resources/advocacy/pac-advocacy-donations.
  2. Volunteer Your Time: Beyond financial contributions, we are seeking dedicated volunteers who are willing to actively engage with lawmakers, attend meetings, and advocate for our profession. Your expertise as audiologists positions you as vital advocates in explaining the significance of this legislation to our elected officials.
  3. Ask Your Patients to Help the Cause: Your patients can help tell their stories to your local Members of Congress and have a powerful impact when it comes time for officials to vote.

By uniting our efforts, we can amplify our voice and underscore the critical need for these audiology advancements. Together, we can ensure that patients with Medicare Part B gain direct access to our services and that audiologists are rightfully recognized as practitioners.

I urge you to consider how you can personally contribute to this vital cause. Whether through financial support or volunteering your time, your involvement will shape the future of audiology and expand access to audiological care.

To learn more about how you can get involved and contribute to our advocacy efforts, please visit www.audiologist.org or reach out to Stephanie Czuhajewski, Executive Director, who can help you schedule meetings with your lawmakers. Together, we can make a profound difference and steer our profession toward a brighter future.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to audiology and for your commitment to enhancing access to quality audiological care for all.