ASHA Advocate: February 23, 2026

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026-the bill that ended the most recent federal government shutdown-includes key priorities ASHA successfully advocated for, marking an important advocacy win for audiologists and SLPs. The law extends Medicare telehealth authority through December 31, 2027 and includes grants for newborn hearing screenings and funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

ASHA continues to push for permanent telehealth authority, an effort that is gaining momentum as key senators reintroduced legislation to add audiologists and SLPs as permanent Medicare telehealth providers. The bill sponsors' press release includes a quote from ASHA president Linda Rosa-Lugo emphasizing ASHA's support for enacting the bill as soon as possible. Read more about these and other provisions impacting audiologists, SLPs, and those you serve.