2025 Federal Wrap-Up & Looking Ahead To 2026 (On-Demand)-2025 Federal Wrap-Up & Looking Ahead to 2026 Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The IHS webinar, moderated by Alyssa Parity and presented by Peter Mihalik, provided a comprehensive overview of 2025 federal issues impacting hearing health and outlined priorities for 2026. Key topics included the recent 43-day federal government shutdown, which caused legislative delays affecting health policy progress. While federal workers receive back pay after shutdowns, uncertainties remain about 2026 funding that could risk another partial shutdown in January. Mihalik highlighted HR 3088, the Hearing Veterans Hearing Health Care Expansion Act, which aims to include hearing aid specialists in the VA Community Care Program, ensuring veterans receive hearing health services both directly and in the community. Passage is expected possibly during the 2026 lame-duck session but timing depends on election outcomes.<br /><br />Looking ahead, efforts will focus on Reese's Law, addressing challenges with child-safe but hard-to-open battery packaging for hearing aids, striving for a balance between safety and accessibility for seniors. The IHS’s 75th anniversary will be recognized with congressional and White House resolutions to honor hearing aid specialists' contributions. The 2026 midterm elections present advocacy opportunities for members to engage with policymakers to support hearing health issues. Members are encouraged to participate in grassroots advocacy, Hill visits, and voter engagement to influence legislation. Overall, the webinar emphasized ongoing policy advocacy, legislative monitoring, and member involvement to advance hearing health care in the coming year.

Keywords

IHS webinar

2025 federal issues

hearing health

2026 priorities

federal government shutdown

HR 3088

Veterans Hearing Health Care Expansion Act

Reese's Law

hearing aid safety