Save the Date - HHP/CA 2026 Annual Conference
May 1-2, 2026
Harrah's Lake Tahoe
More information coming soon!
Legislative Update: AB 224 Chaptered – Major Step Forward for Hearing Health Coverage in California's Essential Health Benefits
We're thrilled to report a landmark victory for accessible hearing care in California! On October 13, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 224 into law (Chapter 680, Statutes of 2025). This bill, authored by Assemblymember Mia Bonta and Senator Caroline Menjivar, mandates a comprehensive review and update of California's essential health benefits benchmark plan – a critical move that directly impacts hearing aid coverage for millions of Californians.
Why This Matters to You and Your Patients
Under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), California's health insurance plans must cover essential health benefits (EHBs) based on a state-specific benchmark plan. Since 2014, this benchmark has been frozen on the outdated Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Small Group HMO 30 – meaning hearing aids have not been consistently covered as an EHB for adults in individual and small group markets.
AB 224 changes that by:
- Expressing legislative intent to review and establish a new benchmark plan for the 2027 plan year.
- Requiring the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) and Department of Insurance to submit recommendations to the Legislature by July 1, 2026.
- Ensuring approval by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the updated plan, effective January 1, 2027.
This update paves the way for hearing aids to be included as a standard EHB, aligning California with 19 other states that already mandate adult hearing aid coverage. For your practice, this means:
- Expanded patient access to life-changing hearing devices without high out-of-pocket costs.
- Increased demand for audiology services as barriers fall.
- Equity in care – finally closing the gap for adult patients who currently face coverage denials.
What's Next? How You Can Stay Involved
- Monitor Progress: Watch for DMHC/Insurance Dept. public hearings in 2026.
- Prepare Your Practice: Audit current billing processes and train staff on upcoming EHB changes.
For the full bill text, visit the California Legislative Information website.
Exciting News! The IHS Career Center is Now Live!
We're thrilled to introduce the brand-new IHS Career Center, your go-to destination for career opportunities in the hearing healthcare field. Whether you're a PCC, Hearing Aid Specialist, Trainer, Manager, or Billing Expert, this platform is designed with YOU in mind.
Hiring? Now's the perfect time to post your open positions! Take advantage of introductory pricing through October 10th, get start for just $199. With customizable add-ons, you can expand your reach while staying in control of your budget and distribution.
We're eager to hear your feedback and see how the IHS Career Center supports your professional journey. Check it out today and help spread the word!
Check out the career center today!
Bipartisan Support Grows for Veterans' Hearing Health!
Big news! Representative Hillary Scholten (D-MI) has joined Representative Tom Barrett (R-MI) as a cosponsor of H.R. 3088 -- the Veterans Hearing Health Expansion Act.
With backing from both parties, the chances of including Hearing Aid Specialists in the VA's Community Care program are stronger than ever.
This is a major win for veterans and a testament to the power of bipartisan collaboration. At IHS, we believe hearing health is a universal issue, and we're committed to pushing H.R, 3088 forward with support from both sides of the aisle.
Your voice matters. Advocacy is how change happens, and we need passionate individuals like you to help shape the future of hearing health and beyond.
Get involved with IHS advocacy efforts and be part of the movement.
