Should Insurance Cover Stuttering Treatments In NJ? Here's What Proposed Law Would Do

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Treatment for stuttering can have “life-altering” benefits for young people and adults. The problem? Speech therapy is often out of the price range of many New Jersey residents.

It doesn’t have to be, advocates say.

A proposed state law that would require health insurers and the state Medicaid program to cover treatment for stuttering moved forward in the New Jersey Assembly last week.

Here’s what the bill would do if it crosses the finish line, its sponsors say:

“A-5133 would require both private and public health insurers and the state Medicaid program to cover medical expenses incurred in treating stuttering, including habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy. The covered individual's medical doctor would determine whether treatment is necessary. The bill would require coverage to be provided whether the services are delivered in-person or through telemedicine or telehealth.”

A companion bill unanimously passed a bipartisan vote in the Senate Commerce Committee earlier this year.

The proposed law has found a big fan in Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who has become an outspoken advocate for the stuttering community since ending his NBA playing career with the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets and the Dallas Mavericks.

Before Kidd-Gilchrist hit the big time as a professional basketball player, he grew up in New Jersey, making a name for himself as a star at St. Patrick High School in Elizabeth. He also faced challenges off the court, struggling with stuttering and bullying – but never giving up.

“As kids, it’s very hard and challenging for us to be understood at times,” Kidd-Gilchrist testified before the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee last Thursday.

“I have been judged a lot as an athlete and also as a person, so as I advocate for this bill, I do see it as a human thing,” the former NBA star urged.

• See Related: NBA Star Recalls His Struggle With Stuttering, Pushes For NJ Law

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, about three million Americans stutter.

Meanwhile, the cost of treatment of stuttering can often be unaffordable for patients. Speech therapy generally costs between $75-$250 per session, with the overall treatment taking several months, according to a study by the New Jersey Mandated Health Benefits Advisory Commission.

“Treatment for stuttering can have life-altering benefits, yet be out of reach financially for some individuals, a fact that is simply unacceptable,” said Assemblywoman Alixon Collazos-Gill (NJ-27).

“With legislation like this, we are also spreading awareness of the prevalence of stuttering, while helping those who need it the most,” Collazos-Gill said.

The 27th district includes the towns of Livingston, Millburn, Montclair, Roseland and West Orange in Essex County, and Clifton in Passaic County.

The Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee voted to advance the proposed law on April 10. It now heads to the Assembly Health Committee for further review.

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