HB1633 - ericsundberg/legwiki GitHub Wiki
| House | Senate | Conference | Governor | ||||||||||||
| Committee | Floor | Committee | Floor | ||||||||||||
| Referred to Committee | Referred to Subcommittee | Subcommittee | Committee | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Referred to Committee | Referred to Subcommittee | Subcommittee | Committee | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | ||
| Labor and Commerce | Sub #1 | On Agenda (1/14/25) | |||||||||||||
Health insurance; coverage for speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering. Requires health insurance carriers whose health care plans include coverage for habilitative services and rehabilitative services, as such terms are defined in the bill, to provide coverage for habilitative speech therapy and rehabilitative speech therapy, as such terms are defined in the bill, as a treatment for stuttering. The bill provides that such coverage is not (i) subject to any maximum annual benefit limit, including any limits on the number of visits an insured may make to a speech-language pathologist; (ii) limited based on the type of disease, injury, disorder, or other medical condition that resulted in the stuttering; or (iii) subject to utilization review or utilization management requirements, including prior authorization or a determination that the habilitative or rehabilitative speech therapy services are medically necessary. The bill applies to health care plans delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on and after January 1, 2026.
- Joshua G. Cole (chief patron)
- None
The language of HB1633 can be viewed here.
Madam Chair, members of the committee…
I stand before you to introduce House Bill 1633, a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing healthcare coverage for individuals who stutter. This bill mandates that health insurance carriers in Virginia provide coverage for both habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy specifically targeting stuttering.
This bill establishes:
• Comprehensive Coverage: Health insurance plans will be required to include both habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy for the treatment of stuttering.
• Elimination of Limitations: Such coverage will not be subject to annual benefit limits, restrictions on the number of visits to speech-language pathologists, or limitations based on the underlying cause of stuttering.
• Removal of Administrative Barriers: The bill prohibits the application of utilization review or management requirements, such as prior authorization or medical necessity determinations, for these speech therapy services.
• Implementation Timeline: These provisions will apply to health care plans delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on and after January 1, 2026.
Rationale for the Bill:
Stuttering is a speech disorder that can significantly impact an individual’s communication abilities, self-esteem, and quality of life. Early and consistent speech therapy has been proven effective in mitigating the effects of stuttering, enabling individuals to communicate more freely and confidently. By ensuring that insurance plans cover these essential therapies without undue restrictions, we can provide critical support to those affected by stuttering, promoting their well-being and full participation in society.
Conclusion:
House Bill 1633 represents an overdue step towards comprehensive coverage for all. I urge you all to support this bill, reflecting our shared dedication to comprehensive and equitable healthcare for all residents of the Commonwealth.
Thank you.
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• Michael Gilchrist
1. Mandatory Coverage: Health insurance plans offering habilitative and rehabilitative services must cover speech therapy for stuttering, regardless of whether it is developmental or caused by other conditions.
2. No Limits on Coverage:
• Prohibits annual benefit limits or restrictions on the number of therapy visits.
• Coverage cannot be limited based on the cause of the stuttering.
• Excludes the application of prior authorization or utilization review requirements.
3. Exemptions: Certain policies, such as short-term, travel, or limited disease policies, are not subject to this requirement.
4. Cost Consideration: If the federal government mandates the Commonwealth to bear additional costs due to this law, the implementation will be delayed until the financial obligation is waived.
5. Effective Date: The changes will apply to policies delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.