Medicaid and CHIP would cover stuttering therapy for children starting in 2027

What does this do?

Starting in 2027, Medicaid and CHIP must cover speech therapy for children who stutter or have similar speech fluency problems, and coverage limits on that therapy cannot be stricter than limits applied to other types of speech therapy. Stuttering screenings must be added to routine well-child visits for children ages 2 to 6, with the federal government required to update its standard health quality measures to include childhood speech fluency disorders by early 2026. Telehealth is an approved delivery method, meaning therapy sessions may occur via video call rather than in-person only.

Who does it affect?

Children ages 2 to 5 whose families are enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP are the primary people affected. State Medicaid and CHIP programs must update their coverage rules to comply with the new requirements.

Why does it matter?

Families who previously could not afford private speech therapy for a child who stutters may gain access to covered services. State programs would be required to revise coverage rules and could face increased costs as a result of the expanded mandate.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• States may face higher costs
• Federal gov't funds large share
• Coverage rules must be updated

Where does it stand?