Envoy Medical supports ITEM Coalition letter to CMS on hearing devices

Envoy Medical (COCH) expresses gratitude to the Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid Coalition and the twelve ITEM member signatories for sending a strong letter to CMS supporting a reconsideration of the benefit category for fully implanted active middle ear hearing devices. The letter states in part: “(W)e request that you please provide an explanation as to CMS’ reasoning for determining that fully implanted active middle ear hearing devices do not qualify as an exception to the hearing aid exclusion under statute. In addition, we believe CMS has the authority to reconsider their decision and urge you to clarify that this technology qualifies as a prosthetic device for purposes of Medicare coverage.” ITEM is a national consumer- and clinician-led coalition advocating for access to and coverage of assistive devices, technologies, and related services for people with injuries, illnesses, disabilities, and chronic conditions of all ages. Members represent individuals with a wide range of disabling conditions, as well as the providers who serve them. In the letter to CMS, ITEM referenced the profound impact that hearing loss has on quality of life of Medicare beneficiaries. The Hearing Loss Association of America and Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing were two of the twelve organizations willing to lend their voice and influence to the Medicare beneficiaries with significant hearing loss who want access to novel hearing implants. “We are grateful that the ITEM Coalition took up such a critically important issue and that twelve coalition member organizations signed the letter urging CMS to do the right thing,” commented Brent Lucas, Envoy Medical CEO. “It especially hits home that the Coalition’s mission is in their name — ‘Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid’ – and we strongly believe that fully implanted hearing devices can help Medicare beneficiaries with hearing impairments significantly regain, or maintain, a level of independence that is good for them and for society as a whole.”