SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston passed a measure to require health insurance companies to provide coverage for speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering.

“In Illinois, we are committed to providing topnotch health care for all individuals,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This legislation grants those from all financial backgrounds with an equal opportunity to receive speech therapy services. It also gives them confidence, relief, encouragement, and support.”

Senate Bill 40 would expand coverage for speech therapy to include rehabilitative services in addition to habilitative services for any child under 19 years of age with an early-acquired disorder that is diagnosed as a speech-language disorder, including stuttering.

Additionally, the legislation would ensure the coverage would not be subject to any maximum annual benefit limit, including the number of visits to a speech-language pathologist, and would not be permitted to be limited based on the type of disease, injury, disorder or other medical condition that resulted in stuttering.

SPRINGFIELD — Under a new law led by State Senator Willie Preston, a collective bargaining process for Chicago Public Schools principals and the Chicago Board of Education when an agreement can’t be reached is now made possible.

“This law takes the necessary steps to provide an equal, adequate and fair bargaining process for our state’s largest school district,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “We must protect and respect our schools leaders as they provide a quality education to every student in the Chicago School District.”

“We owe a debt of gratitude to Senator Preston and Representative Will Davis for their unwavering dedication and perseverance, “said CPAA President Troy LaRaviere. “Politics can often feel disheartening, but standing firm for what is right for our young people reminds us of the transformative power of staying the course. Illinois legislators have proven they are committed to doing what’s right and did not let us down.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston advanced legislation to require health insurance companies to provide coverage for speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering.

“In Illinois, we are committed to accessible and affordable health care,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This legislation removes financial barriers for those seeking speech therapy services. It gives them the opportunity to access necessary services, financial relief, encouragement, and support.”

Senate Bill 40 would require health insurers to cover habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering for those covered by private or public insurance plans.

Additionally, the legislation would ensure the coverage would not be subject to any maximum annual benefit limit, including the number of visits to a speech-language pathologist, and would not be permitted to be limited based on the type of disease, injury, disorder or other medical condition that resulted in stuttering.

This bill spearheaded by Preston is modeled Kentucky legislation requiring coverage for habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy for stuttering when a licensed medical professional determines such therapy as medically necessary.

SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Willie Preston along with fellow legislators and advocates gathered to emphasize the importance of requiring health insurance companies to provide coverage for speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering.

“I am dedicated to providing essential speech therapy services to all Illinoisans across the state regardless of their economic status, “said Preston (D-Chicago). “It not only will benefit their speech, but it will also help build their confidence.”

Senate Bill 40 would require health insurers to cover habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering for those covered by private or public insurance plans.

“Speech disorder therapies should be available to all who need them, and insurance companies should cover those therapies just as other health care services are covered, “said Attorney General Kwame Raoul. “Without access to treatment, speech disorders can increase the risk of low self-esteem and social anxiety, as well as lower educational attainment and diminish career opportunities. I appreciate Sen. Preston’s leadership to ensure these vital services are accessible to all Illinoisans.”

Preston has worked with Pennsylvania State Representative Brandon Markosek and former NBA star Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, both of whom stutter and have benefited from speech therapy. He worked in conjunction with Kidd-Gilchrist's non-profit, Change & Impact, and the Illinois Speech-Language-Hearing Association to create this legislation.

“Regardless of age, individuals should have access to speech therapy services if they have a speech problem,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “By removing roadblocks to treatment, we are creating a path to empower people to speak with confidence, increase their independence and express their ideas, thoughts and feelings clearly.”

Preston himself developed a stutter when he was 12 years old and fought through that challenge on his own. He believes this legislation would assist folks who went through a similar experience to him and remove the cost barrier for those seeking treatment.

Senate Bill 40 now awaits discussion in the Senate Insurance Committee.