09/26/2026
This is truly disrespectful, and quite alarming! This is not an easy career. I know so much more now after having been in this field for 36 years, but I get paid less and less every year.
For more than 20 years, Medicare reimbursement for speech-language pathology treatment has essentially stood still while the cost of providing that care has continued to rise.
In 2003, Medicare reimbursement for speech, language, and voice therapy was approximately $77 per session. In 2026, reimbursement for that same treatment code is approximately $76 per session.
During those 23 years, general prices have increased by approximately 82%.
Rent is higher. Utilities are higher. Liability insurance is higher. Equipment, technology, supplies, and virtually every other expense required to operate a healthcare practice cost significantly more.
And, importantly, we have continued to increase what we pay our clinicians and staff over the years despite never receiving an increase in reimbursement along with rising expenses. Our employees should not have to absorb the effects of stagnant reimbursement through stagnant wages simply because Medicare has failed to keep reimbursement aligned with the rising cost of providing care.
Yet while the cost of operating a clinic and appropriately compensating highly trained healthcare professionals has continued to increase, Medicare reimbursement for this service is actually slightly lower today than it was 23 years ago.
Now, beginning January 1, 2027, the current treatment code is being replaced with new timed codes. Under Medicare’s proposed 2027 rates, the new code for 30 minutes of voice therapy that we typically provide would now reimburse approximately $55.
This is why reimbursement matters. It isn’t simply about what a healthcare provider gets paid. It affects whether practices can sustainably employ skilled clinicians, provide adequate treatment time, invest in specialized services and equipment, and ultimately continue making these services available to patients.
Patients deserve continued access to high-quality speech, language, cognitive, and voice therapy. Reimbursement must reflect the real cost of providing that care.
🗣️ Help protect patient access to speech-language pathology services.
Share your story and tell policymakers why these services matter:
https://form.jotform.com/262386270505154
You can also contact your members of Congress and ask them to support sustainable Medicare reimbursement for speech-language pathology services.
Your voice matters. Help us make sure these services remain available to the patients who need them.
