SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Willie Preston’s measure that would expand coverage for rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering advanced out of the Senate Thursday.
“Stuttering is something a lot of folks deal with, especially our kids,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “We’ve got to make sure they’re not carrying that on their own, and show them they’ve got real support behind them.”
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.
“I know the struggle. I used to stutter, and it can make you feel like you’re not being heard,” said Preston. “This measure is about changing that. It’s about making sure people have access to the support and rehab services they need to find their voice.”
Senate Bill 2899 passed the Senate Thursday, and moves to the House for further consideration.
