HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania is on the verge of expanding insurance coverage to include speech therapy for individuals who stutter, after both legislative houses approved a bill this week and sent it to Governor Josh Shapiro for final approval.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Brandon Markosek (D-Monroeville), received unanimous backing in both the Senate Banking and Finance Committee and the full Senate.
Aimed specifically at addressing stuttering, the legislation mandates that insurance plans in Pennsylvania cover speech therapy for children aged 2 to 6, as well as adults who have developed a stutter following traumatic brain injury.
Rep. Markosek, who introduced the bill in the state House, gathered support from nearly two dozen lawmakers. Among the sponsors are 22 Democrats and one Republican, Rep. Robert Mercuri (R-Pine).
Markosek’s personal experience with stuttering inspired his efforts. In June, he spoke openly about how early intervention through speech therapy changed his life.
“Starting speech therapy at a young age was transformative for me, giving me the confidence not to let my stutter define me,” Markosek shared. “By ensuring insurance covers speech therapy, we’re providing children who stutter the opportunity to thrive with the support they need.”
Stuttering, a neurological disorder affecting fluent speech, impacts about 5-10% of children at some point in their early development. It often manifests through repetition, pauses, and anxiety surrounding communication. While many children overcome stuttering before adulthood, it can leave lasting effects.
For those who continue to stutter, the social implications can be severe. Many children who stutter face bullying, which can lead to academic challenges, mental health issues, and even career obstacles later in life.
Financially, the bill could provide significant relief to affected families. The average cost of a single speech therapy session ranges from $75 to $250, and successful treatment often requires months of sessions. Without insurance, these costs can quickly become unaffordable.
The bill excludes coverage for therapy provided through Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in schools. In Pennsylvania, IEP services are funded by a combination of federal, state, and local funds. However, many students with special needs continue to face challenges due to the state’s ongoing education funding issues.
If signed into law, the bill will represent a major step forward in supporting individuals with stuttering, offering them the tools to improve their speech and their quality of life.
