US SB3739

Secretary of Veterans Affairs must launch a 2-year demonstration project within one year of enactment to evaluate coverage of FDA-cleared over-the-counter hearing aids for veterans with mild-to-moderate hearing loss

Eligible participants must be enrolled in VA patient enrollment, have audiologist confirmation of medical necessity for OTC hearing aids, no contraindications, and access to mobile phone/Wi-Fi to operate the devices

Project must be conducted at minimum 2 VA medical facilities across different Veterans Integrated Services Networks, serving diverse veteran populations in both rural and urban settings

Secretary must submit interim report to Congress after one year and final report within 180 days of project completion, including fiscal impact assessment of permanent OTC hearing aid coverage

Comptroller General must conduct separate study and report to Congress within 18 months on hearing aid needs and coverage for individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, with recommendations for VA program changes