Indy Standard

The Indiana House has approved legislation introduced by State Representative Lori Goss-Reaves aimed at expanding telehealth services and improving access to over-the-counter hearing aids.

"This bill would help many Hoosiers by expanding telehealth services and ensuring greater access to affordable hearing aids," said Goss-Reaves. "By making these updates, we’re improving health care treatment options and reducing costs for commonly used products that can make a meaningful difference in someone's life."

House Bill 1572 proposes to include speech-language pathology assistants in the definition of "practitioner" for telehealth services, thereby broadening access to care across the state. According to Goss-Reaves, more than 200 providers could have been eligible to offer telehealth services under the original law had they been included initially.

Additionally, the bill seeks to permit the sale and distribution of over-the-counter hearing aids without requiring them to be sold by licensed audiologists or hearing aid dealers. While prescription hearing aids typically cost between $1,000 and $4,000, OTC alternatives may start as low as $200.

The bill received bipartisan support in the House and will now proceed to the Senate for further consideration. More information about the bill and legislative sessions can be found at iga.in.gov.