; and (B) by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: and (II) with respect to hearing assessment services (as described in paragraph (3) of section 1861(ll)) furnished by a qualified hearing aid professional (as defined in paragraph (4)(C) of such section), the amounts paid shall be equal to 80 percent of the lesser of the actual charge for such services or 85 percent of the amount for such services determined under the payment basis determined under section 1848 . (b) Coverage of hearing aids (1) Inclusion of hearing aids as prosthetic devices Section 1861(s)(8) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395x(s)(8) ) is amended by inserting , and including hearing aids (as described in section 1834(h)(7)) furnished on or after January 1, 2025, to individuals diagnosed with moderately severe, severe, or profound hearing loss before the semicolon at the end. (2) Payment limitations for hearing aids Section 1834(h) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395m(h) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: (6) Payment only on an assignment-related basis Payment for hearing aids for which payment may be made under this part may be made only on an assignment-related basis. The provisions of section 1842(b)(18)(B) shall apply to hearing aids in the same manner as they apply to services furnished by a practitioner described in subsection (b)(18)(C). (7) Limitations for hearing aids Payment may be made under this part with respect to an individual, with respect to hearing aids furnished on or after January 1, 2025— (A) not more than once per ear during a 5-year period; (B) only for types of such hearing aids that are determined appropriate by the Secretary