Medicare is changing how speech-language therapy services are billed and paid for starting January 1, 2027.
The National Aphasia Association (NAA) is focused on one key question:
Will people with aphasia continue to get the therapy that best meets their needs?
What is changing?
One billing code currently used for many speech and language services will be replaced by several new codes. These new codes will separate:
- Language treatment (speaking, understanding, reading, and writing)
- Speech treatment (speech production)
- Combined speech and language treatment
Payment will also depend on the amount of time spent in therapy.
Why is the NAA concerned?
People with aphasia often need different types of treatment over time. Some also have other speech disorders. Therapy should be based on a person’s needs, not on which service pays more.
Because Medicare is proposing different payment rates for the new codes, NAA is concerned that payment differences could affect treatment decisions or access to care.
NAA’s message is simple: Treatment decisions should be driven by patient needs, not payment policies.
Why does this matter?
Communication therapy helps people with aphasia:
- Understand and share health information
- Make decisions
- Connect with family and friends
- Manage daily activities
- Return to work and meaningful activities
- Advocate for themselves
Access to therapy can have a major impact on independence, safety, and quality of life.
What did the NAA ask Medicare to protect?
NAA urged CMS to support:
- Individualized care
- Flexibility for SLPs to adapt treatment
- Access to combined speech and language treatment when needed
- Long-term access to medically necessary therapy
- Input from people with aphasia and their families
What happens next?
NAA submitted comments to CMS in September 2026. The new billing codes are scheduled to begin January 1, 2027. CMS is reviewing public feedback before making final decisions.
For now, nothing changes for people receiving therapy.
The bottom Line:
People with aphasia should receive the right treatment for their needs. Communication is more than a billing code. It is essential for health, relationships, independence, and participation in everyday life.
