Speech-language pathology services
Medicare Coverage Information
Overview
Medicare provides coverage for medically necessary speech-language pathology services that help diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders. These services are typically covered under Part B when ordered by a physician and considered essential for patient health.
- Covered when deemed medically necessary by a healthcare provider
- Services must be provided by a Medicare-certified speech-language pathologist
- Requires a physician's referral and documentation of medical need
- Treatments can include evaluation, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions
- Covers services in various settings like outpatient clinics and rehabilitation facilities
- Medicare Part B beneficiaries
- Individuals with diagnosed communication or swallowing disorders
- Patients with a physician's referral and treatment plan
- Beneficiaries typically pay 20% of Medicare-approved costs after meeting Part B deductible
- Annual deductible for Part B is $240 in 2024 (subject to change)
- Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional coverage or lower out-of-pocket costs
- Services must be considered medically necessary
- Limited to treatments addressing specific communication or swallowing disorders
- Requires ongoing documentation of medical progress
- Some cosmetic or developmental services may not be covered
- Consult with your primary care physician about speech-language therapy needs
- Verify coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs with your specific Medicare plan
- Get a detailed referral and treatment plan from a qualified speech-language pathologist
- Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE for specific coverage questions
Last updated: 6/15/2025
Quick Information
- Provider
- Medicare
- Last Updated
- 6/15/2025
- Topics
- Medicarespeech therapylanguage pathologycommunication disordersspeech-language services
Related Coverage Topics
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