Senator Bob Dole Encourages Academy Members to Actively Comment on Medicaid Regulation

Released last week and announced at The Academy's Annual Meeting in San Antonio, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a new Medicaid regulation that is important to all audiologists. During his address to the general assembly at the convention, Senator Dole urged the membership to participate in the rulemaking policy by sending written comments in favor the new regulation to CMS. The regulation would create a new definition of a qualified audiologist in the Medicaid program that would be consistent with current Medicare law. The Academy Board of Directors strongly supports this proposed regulation because it would define an audiologist by state licensure rather than by a private certification. The regulation is posted to the Academy's Government Relations Web Page.

WHY IS THIS SO IMPORTANT?

Private insurance carriers must not be confused as to who is a qualified audiologist. Insurance carriers look to federal regulations to determine the appropriate definition of an audiologist. Therefore, it is important for CMS to use a consistent definition. Private carriers should use state licensure as the criteria for provider status, just as they do for other healthcare professionals. The proposed rule recognizes that state licensure, is the most widespread system for qualification of health care professionals and best serves the goal of consumer protection. This regulation would expand the number of audiologists eligible to be reimbursed for services.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

As an audiologist concerned about the future of the profession, The Academy urges you to write a letter to CMS by June 2, 2003 supporting this regulation change. Please go to the Academy's Government Relations Web Page (https://www.audiology.org/professional/gov/) for a sample letter that you can send on your letterhead. Please be advised that you must mail one original and two copies to the address on the letter. Please also fax a copy of your letters to Academy headquarters at 703-790-8631.