1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2017 . 2. Removing Medicare exclusion of coverage of hearing aids and examinations therefor (a) In general Section 1862(a)(7) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395y(a)(7) ) is amended by striking hearing aids or examinations therefor, . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall apply to items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2018. 3. GAO study and report on hearing aid programs (a) Study The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study of programs, including Federal programs and health insurance coverage, that provide assistance for hearing aids and related examinations for individuals with hearing loss. Such study shall include an examination of the number of individuals in the United States with hearing loss who need hearing aids, their coverage under such programs, and the effectiveness of such programs in meeting such need. Such study may also address programs that are designed to reduce or mitigate the incidence of hearing loss. (b) Report Not later than 18 months after the date specified in section 2(b), the Comptroller General shall submit a report to Congress on the study conducted under subsection (a). Such report shall include such recommendations on changes in such programs, including the establishment of new programs, as would meet the needs of individuals with hearing loss.