SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston held a subject matter hearing in the Senate Executive Committee to discuss the need for health insurance companies to provide coverage for speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering.

“This bill makes a powerful statement about Illinois’ commitment to accessible and affordable health care,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “We are working to remove financial and administrative barriers to those seeking speech therapy services.”

Senate Bill 3972 would require health insurers to cover habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering.  While current law considers speech therapy a covered habilitative service for those under 19, insurance coverage is clouded by exclusions and limitations of the individual’s policy.

Some insurance plans specifically exclude stuttering treatment, according to the National Stuttering Association. Preston’s bill would make habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy more affordable for those covered by private or public insurance plans.

The hearing included many witnesses including former NBA player Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, testimony from two experts in the field, and Brad Steinberg – whose son, Trace Steinberg, stutters.

“I can tell you from a parent’s perspective that not only from a speech standpoint for Trace has he gotten much better. But through speech therapy, he's raising his hand more he's engaging more,” said Steinberg. “It is not just about the speech – but it’s that he’s a different person because of the therapy that he is receiving.”

Preston himself developed a stutter when he was 12 years old and fought through that challenge on his own. He believes this legislation would assist folks who went through a similar experience to him and remove the cost barrier for those seeking treatment.

“I started abruptly stuttering and I practiced speaking in the mirror every day because I wasn’t lucky enough to have the care afforded to me that I want to ensure others have,” said Preston. “Those who overcame their speaking impediment through therapy can have a better quality of life.”

Preston looks forward to leading further discussions on Senate Bill 3972.