PRESTON MEASURE EXPANDS SPEECH THERAPY COVERAGE FOR STUTTERING

The following information was released by the Illinois Senate Democrats:

State Senator Willie Preston is spearheading a measure that would require health insurance companies to provide coverage for rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering.

"Stuttering is something that a lot of people deal with, especially children," said Preston (D-Chicago). "I want to make sure those people do not have to go through their speech troubles on their own and can get the help they need."

The measure would expand coverage for speech therapy to include rehabilitative services. Coverage currently applies to habilitative services for any child under 19 years of age with an early-acquired disorder that is diagnosed as a speech-language disorder, including stuttering.

Additionally, the legislation would require Medicaid to cover both habilitative and rehabilitative stuttering therapies for individuals 21 years old and younger. The measure is estimated to cost the state about $1.9 million, but Medicaid coverage will not add any extra state cost.

"As someone who used to stutter, I know what it feels like to not be able to control your words, even though you wish you could," said Preston. "This measure would give people a greater chance to do that, and make it so rehabilitative services are covered as well."

Senate Bill 2899 passed the Senate Insurance Committee Tuesday, and it will now head to the full Senate for further consideration.