Speech-language pathology services
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
covers
medically necessary
outpatient speech-language pathology services if your doctor or other health care provider (including a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or physician assistant) certifies you need it.
Your costs in Original Medicare
After you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
There's no limit on how much Medicare pays for your medically necessary outpatient therapy services in one calendar year.
To find out how much your test, item, or service will cost, talk to your doctor or health care provider. The specific amount you’ll owe may depend on several things, like:
- Other insurance you may have
- How much your doctor charges
- If your doctor accepts assignment
- The type of facility
- Where you get your test, item, or service
Your doctor or other health care provider may recommend you get services more often than Medicare covers. Or, they may recommend services that Medicare doesn’t cover. If this happens, you may have to pay some or all of the costs. Ask questions so you understand why your doctor is recommending certain services and if, or how much, Medicare will pay for them.
What it is
These services provide evaluation and treatment to regain and strengthen speech and language skills. This includes cognitive and swallowing skills, or therapy to improve or maintain current function or slow decline.
