SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Willie Preston along with fellow legislators and advocates gathered to emphasize the importance of requiring health insurance companies to provide coverage for speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering.

“I am dedicated to providing essential speech therapy services to all Illinoisans across the state regardless of their economic status, “said Preston (D-Chicago). “It not only will benefit their speech, but it will also help build their confidence.”

Senate Bill 40 would require health insurers to cover habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering for those covered by private or public insurance plans.

“Speech disorder therapies should be available to all who need them, and insurance companies should cover those therapies just as other health care services are covered, “said Attorney General Kwame Raoul. “Without access to treatment, speech disorders can increase the risk of low self-esteem and social anxiety, as well as lower educational attainment and diminish career opportunities. I appreciate Sen. Preston’s leadership to ensure these vital services are accessible to all Illinoisans.” 

Preston has worked with Pennsylvania State Representative Brandon Markosek and former NBA star Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, both of whom stutter and have benefited from speech therapy. He worked in conjunction with Kidd-Gilchrist's non-profit, Change & Impact, and the Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association to create this legislation.

“Regardless of age, individuals should have access to speech therapy services if they have a speech problem,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “By removing roadblocks to treatment, we are creating a path to empower people to speak with confidence, increase their independence and express their ideas, thoughts and feelings clearly.”

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.

Senate Bill 40 now awaits discussion in the Senate Insurance Committee.