Illinois proposal could require insurance companies cover stuttering speech therapy

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — State lawmakers could pass a plan this spring to provide insurance coverage for speech therapy to treat stuttering.

The bill would require health insurance companies to cover habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy for stuttering. This comes as some insurance plans limit coverage based on the type of disease, injury, disorder or other medical condition that resulted in stuttering.

Sen. Willie Preston (D-Chicago) said he is committed to getting the legislation signed into law since the issue is personal for him. Preston developed a stutter when he was 12 years old, but he was able to overcome the challenge on his own through years of determination. The Democrat has two children who struggle with speech difficulties.

"I know firsthand that my son, who is now a freshman in college, was able to overcome his speech issue as a child," Preston said. "He didn't speak until he was nearly six years old."

Preston explained his plan could remove cost barriers for people seeking treatment with state, private or Medicaid insurance coverage.

"Regardless of age, individuals should have access to speech therapy services if they have a speech problem," said Sen. Laura 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."

Senate Bill 40 is currently assigned to the Senate Insurance Committee.