House Insurance Committee unanimously approves Markosek legislation for coverage of speech therapy for childhood stuttering
Rep. Brandon Markosek June 11, 2024 | 11:56 AM
HARRISBURG, June 11 – Children who stutter are one step closer to having speech therapy covered by insurance with the House Insurance Committee’s unanimous approval of legislation authored by state Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Allegheny.
“As someone who stutters, I still use the tools that I learned through speech therapy when I was a child, but many families aren’t aware that speech therapy is an option,” Markosek said. “This legislation would put speech therapy in reach for those children, which would help give them the confidence they need to use their voice inside the classroom and in their everyday lives.”
Markosek’s H.B. 2268 would require private health insurance, Medicaid and CHIP coverage of speech therapy for early childhood stuttering. His legislation was inspired by a similar law recently adopted in Kentucky, advocated by NBA veteran Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who founded Change & Impact, an organization that educates and raises awareness about stuttering.
Markosek welcomed Kidd-Gilchrist to the state Capitol on Monday to advocate for the legislation.
“I appreciate anyone who is taking notice of this bill because there are many people who stutter who feel unheard daily,” Kidd-Gilchrist said. “I’m no politician, but my goal is to advocate at the highest level possible and help create change for those of us who stutter.”
“I believe this legislation would provide tangible change for folks who stutter while breaking the stigma surrounding stuttering to create a more inclusive environment for them,” Markosek added. “I am thrilled the House Insurance Committee approved this bill with a unanimous vote and I look forward to seeing the full House consider it.”
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Attention editors/assignment desk: Photos of Markosek and Kidd-Gilchrist in the House chamber are available here.