09/08/2026
Speech-language therapy helps people communicate their needs, build relationships, advocate for themselves, participate in school and work, and connect with the people they love. Right now, access to those services is at risk.
What’s Happening?
Starting January 1, 2027, the primary billing code for speech-language therapy will be eliminated and replaced with a new system of codes. CMS has released its proposed reimbursement rates, and some common services could face cuts of up to 35%.
Why Does This Matter?
The rates that CMS adopts often influence the rates that Medicaid and commercial insurance companies adopt. When CMS makes a cut this deep, it has the potential to trickle down through the whole system, impacting every setting where people receive speech therapy.
For small practices like Wordy Bird, reimbursement cuts of this size are not sustainable. They could lead to fewer providers being able to accept insurance, fewer available appointments, longer waitlists, and families having to travel farther—or being unable to find services at all.
What I’m Doing
I’m doing everything I can to keep Wordy Bird’s doors open and continue providing essential speech-language services to our community. I love what I do, and I believe passionately in the importance of this work.
The rates aren’t finalized yet, and there is still time to advocate for change.
I have contributed data to the SPEAK Project, a grassroots initiative bringing speech therapists across the country together to demonstrate the true cost of providing our services. That data tells an important part of the story—but decision-makers also need to understand the real human impact of these services. That’s where YOU can help.
How you can help
The SPEAK Project has created a simple way for people to share what speech-language therapy has meant to them or someone they love—and what reduced access would mean for their family.
You do not need to understand reimbursement or federal policy. In about 5 minutes, you can answer a few questions, and the comment builder will turn your responses into a personalized advocacy letter. With your authorization, it will be submitted directly to the federal officials making these decisions.
If speech-language therapy has made a difference in your life or in the life of someone you love, please consider sharing your story using the link below (or QR code in the comments).
One comment might seem small, but when thousands of people say, “Speech therapy matters,” it becomes much harder to ignore.
Comments must be submitted by September 30. Please take five minutes to make your voice heard—and please share this information so that other families have the opportunity to speak up too.
Please click the link to complete this form.
