Be Loud, Stay Loud: Advocating for Medicare Coverage of Virtual Speech Therapy
Link for Action Center Letter: https://www.votervoice.net/ASHAaction/Campaigns/106011/Respond
"Be Loud, Stay Loud" isn’t just a slogan; it’s a way of life, especially for those in the Parkinson’s community who rely on speech therapy to improve their voice, cognitive skills, and swallowing safety. But beyond therapy exercises, "Be Loud, Stay Loud" also means advocacy—standing up for access to critical care and making sure our voices are heard. Right now, we’re facing an urgent need to do just that. As of December 31st, 2024, Medicare’s coverage for virtual speech therapy is set to expire, and without new legislation, this essential service could be taken away.
Virtual speech therapy has been a lifeline for many Medicare beneficiaries, especially for people with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions. It allows individuals to work on communication, thinking, and swallowing skills from the comfort of their home, without the need for long commutes or reliance on care partners for transportation. For those living in rural or underserved areas, virtual therapy is often the only way to access specialized care that may not be available locally. However, unless Congress acts, these benefits will no longer be covered after December 31st, 2024.
Here’s where you can help. The Parkinson’s community and supporters need to urge Congress to pass legislation that allows speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists to remain permanent telehealth providers under Medicare. By becoming permanent Medicare telehealth providers, SLPs and audiologists can continue delivering the specialized, convenient care that is so essential to the well-being and independence of those they serve.
Here's the link: https://www.votervoice.net/ASHAaction/Campaigns/106011/Respond
Let’s continue to Be Loud, Stay Loud for Parkinson’s and for all those who deserve accessible, effective care in the setting that’s best for them. Thank you for joining in this advocacy, for raising your voice, and for helping to make a difference. Together, we can keep these essential services accessible for everyone who needs them.