As many of you are already aware, a 5 to 4 decision by the Supreme Court of the United States has upheld most of the provisions in the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as “Obamacare.” In the short term, the decision has little effect on the hearing health industry, although more insured people will be eligible for hearing exams and ENT services in 2014.

The court upheld the most contentious individual mandate provision, which requires those without health insurance to pay a fine, starting in 2014. The court held that the penalty is essentially a tax, and Congress has complete authority to levy taxes that affect all states.

As for the effect on the hearing industry, there is currently no Federal coverage for hearing aids under Medicare, Medicaid, or a mandate that insurers provide coverage for hearing aids. However, by having more people insured via the various mandates or coverage expansions, audiologists and ENTs may see an increase in patients seeking hearing health diagnostic care.

In addition, cochlear implants are generally covered by insurance and Medicare, so it is possible that newly insured individuals will seek a cochlear implant assessment and treatment. We will continue to report any updates to the Affordable Care Act that may affect the hearing health industry.

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