Medicare coverage
Does Medicare Cover Speech Therapy?
Yes. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers medically necessary outpatient speech-language pathology services if you’re eligible.
Yes: Part B
Source: Medicare.gov, Speech-language pathology services, checked October 23, 2026.
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Coverage at a glance
- Covered?
- Yes
- Which part
- Part B
- What you pay
- After you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
- Part B deductible 2026
- $283 a year (CMS). Part B premium $202.90 a month.
- Medicare.gov page
- Speech-language pathology services
Description
Speech-language pathology services provide evaluation and treatment to regain and strengthen speech and language skills. This includes cognitive and swallowing skills, or therapy to improve or maintain current function or slow decline.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Who's eligible
Your doctor or other health care provider (including a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or physician assistant) must certify you need this care.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
Costs
After you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for these services when they're medically necessary.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
How often
There's no limit on how much Medicare pays for your medically necessary outpatient speech-language pathology services in one calendar year.
From Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026.
National Coverage Determinations
- NCD 170.3: Speech-Language Pathology Services for the Treatment of Dysphagia
Version 2, effective October 1, 2006
An NCD is the national rule CMS writes for when Medicare pays for an item or service. Local coverage determinations (LCDs) from each Medicare contractor can add detail. Read the NCD text on the CMS site.
Related pages
- Does Medicare Cover Physical Therapy?
Yes
- Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Care?
Only in certain cases
- Does Medicare Cover Acupuncture?
Only in certain cases
- Does Medicare Cover Massage Therapy?
No
- Does Medicare Cover Occupational Therapy?
Yes
- Does Medicare Cover Podiatry?
Only in certain cases
- Medicare Part B deductible 2027
- Part D out-of-pocket max 2027
- Dual eligible: Medicare and Medicaid together
- 2027 Medicare plans by county
- Everything Medicare covers, A to Z
Questions
Does Medicare Cover Speech Therapy?
Yes. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers medically necessary outpatient speech-language pathology services if you’re eligible.
Which part of Medicare covers Speech Therapy?
Medicare.gov lists Speech-language pathology services under Part B.
How much do you pay for Speech Therapy with Medicare?
Per Medicare.gov: After you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
Is there a national coverage determination for Speech Therapy?
Yes. CMS NCD 170.3, Speech-Language Pathology Services for the Treatment of Dysphagia, version 2, effective 2006-10-01.
Does a Medicare Advantage plan cover Speech Therapy?
Medicare Advantage plans must cover what Original Medicare covers and some offer extra benefits. Check the plan's Evidence of Coverage. Rivvi does not recommend plans.
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Does Medicare Cover Speech Therapy?
Yes. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers medically necessary outpatient speech-language pathology services if you’re eligible.
Checked against Medicare.gov 2026-10-23. Source: Rivvi