Bill > S03654

This bill requires health insurance providers in New York to cover speech therapy for stuttering under certain conditions. Specifically, insurance policies that provide medical or comprehensive-type coverage must, upon physician referral, fully cover speech therapy treatments for stuttering, including both habilitative and rehabilitative therapies. The treatment must be performed by a healthcare professional licensed under title eight of the education law. Importantly, insurers cannot impose any durational limits or maximum visit restrictions on these services. The bill allows insurers to conduct medical management and utilization reviews and to require treatment through network providers. Coverage can be denied if the speech therapy is already being provided through an individualized family service plan or an individualized education plan, but supplemental services outside educational settings can still be covered when recommended by a physician. The law will take effect on the first day of January following its passage and will apply to new, renewed, or modified insurance policies from that date forward.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3654