Question
Is there any new information on how to get insurance companies to pay for speech therapy for apraxia? My 3 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with it, and needs extensive therapy. We are currently getting some therapy through the school system, bu
Answer
It is difficult to address this question specifically, because the issue tends to vary locally. There are a few insurance companies who pay for these services but they are a declining breed. The trend has been that if the condition is "developmental" (i.e., present from birth and subject to change as the child matures) insurance companies are not inclined to cover it. Recently, however, an insurance commissioner in Michigan ruled on a 2002 case that Childhood Apraxia of Speech, while developmental, might also be considered neurological, in which case it could qualify for coverage. The Michigan case might be one that could be cited in a "denial of coverage" appeal elsewhere. Click here to read the ruling itself. Also see the ASHA Leader (Vol 9, #10) for a current article on the ruling.
Title 19 (Medicaid) often pays for services for developmental apraxia but not everyone qualifies for Medicaid. Some don't know, however, that Medicaid operates on a "spend down" system, which covers expenses in inverse proportion to the family income. So some families may qualify for partial payments and not know it. One other source to check is local Sertoma Clubs. Sertoma is a service organization whose philanthropy is speech and hearing (www.Sertoma.org). Some of these clubs (not all) take applications for certain expenses on the part of individuals. They might involve transportation costs, equipment and perhaps fees under certain conditions.
Dr. Clifford L. Highnam's interest areas are normal language acquisition and language disorders. He teaches classes in children's language disorders, language transcript analysis, communication problems of special populations and children's narrative. He conducts research in school-age language disorders. His doctoral work was completed at Bowling Green State University. He is affiliated with the Department of Communicative Disorders at the University of Northern Iowa where he serves as department head.
Clifford Highnam, Ph.D
Related Courses
1https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/20q-criteria-for-diagnosing-apraxia-949820Q: Criteria for Diagnosing Apraxia of Speech (AoS) in AdultsThis course reviews the criteria currently used to diagnose AoS after stroke and other adult-onset neurologic conditions. A distinction is made between features that are part of the presentation profile, and features that are useful for differentiating AoS from aphasia with phonemic paraphasia and dysarthria. In addition, challenges of diagnosing AoS and useful assessment tools are discussed.textual, visual
This course reviews the criteria currently used to diagnose AoS after stroke and other adult-onset neurologic conditions. A distinction is made between features that are part of the presentation profile, and features that are useful for differentiating AoS from aphasia with phonemic paraphasia and dysarthria. In addition, challenges of diagnosing AoS and useful assessment tools are discussed.
2https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/childhood-apraxia-speech-improving-treatment-10556Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Improving Treatment Outcomes with Interprofessional CollaborationInterprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) for children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and co-occurring motor coordination difficulties is explored in this course. A case-based approach is used to highlight the clinical significance of IPCP in effectively treating the speech, language, and motor impairments typically observed in this population.auditory, textual, visual
Interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) for children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and co-occurring motor coordination difficulties is explored in this course. A case-based approach is used to highlight the clinical significance of IPCP in effectively treating the speech, language, and motor impairments typically observed in this population.
3https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/autism-outreach-podcast-apraxia-speech-9804Autism Outreach Podcast: Apraxia of Speech Characteristics and ResourcesThis podcast discusses the early signs of apraxia and describes strategies to share with parents. Resources that can be helpful for treating apraxia are also reviewed.auditory
This podcast discusses the early signs of apraxia and describes strategies to share with parents. Resources that can be helpful for treating apraxia are also reviewed.
4https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/20q-using-speech-science-in-1032620Q: Using Speech Science in Clinical PracticeMany speech-language pathology clinicians find speech science daunting and not applicable to their clinical practice. This course discusses why and how speech science is useful in understanding speech disorders and differences. Examples are provided of how to assess and treat speech disorders using speech science-based principles and techniques such as the source-filter theory and acoustic, physiologic and biofeedback measures.textual, visual
Many speech-language pathology clinicians find speech science daunting and not applicable to their clinical practice. This course discusses why and how speech science is useful in understanding speech disorders and differences. Examples are provided of how to assess and treat speech disorders using speech science-based principles and techniques such as the source-filter theory and acoustic, physiologic and biofeedback measures.
5https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/back-to-basics-foundations-for-9056Back to Basics: Foundations for CAS InterventionThis course will provide an overview of basic foundational information about childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) that is appropriate for new clinicians seeking a starting point for working with children with CAS, or more experienced clinicians who need to refresh and update their knowledge.auditory, textual, visual
This course will provide an overview of basic foundational information about childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) that is appropriate for new clinicians seeking a starting point for working with children with CAS, or more experienced clinicians who need to refresh and update their knowledge.