2025 Federal Wrap-Up & Looking Ahead To 2026 (LIVE)-2025 Federal Wrap-Up & Looking Ahead To 2026 Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this IHS webinar, Peter Mihalik, Health Policy and Advocacy Director, recaps significant federal issues affecting hearing health care in 2025 and offers a forward look to 2026. The 2024-2025 federal government shutdown—the longest in history at 43 days—caused delays in legislative priorities, including key health policies, with lingering effects on timing and bipartisan cooperation. Mihalik discussed the Hearing Veterans Hearing Health Care Expansion Act (H.R. 3088), aiming to include hearing aid specialists fully in the VA Community Care program, with passage expected potentially in the 2026 lame-duck session. Attention was given to Risa's Law addressing child safety regulations on lithium coin battery packaging, which has inadvertently made it difficult for seniors to access hearing aid batteries; efforts for a legislative fix are planned for 2026 in collaboration with partners and the Congressional Hearing Health Caucus. The webinar also highlighted IHS's upcoming 75th anniversary, efforts to secure a congressional resolution recognizing the organization's impact, and strategies to engage with federal elections, small business advocacy, and voter outreach to promote hearing health issues. Members are encouraged to participate in advocacy including the annual Hill Day and to build relationships with elected officials to advance hearing care priorities in the coming year.

Keywords

hearing health care

federal government shutdown 2024-2025

Hearing Veterans Hearing Health Care Expansion Act

VA Community Care program

Risa's Law

lithium coin battery safety

IHS 75th anniversary

federal elections and advocacy

Hill Day advocacy