See also: Medicaid Payment for School-Based Services
Who can bill for Medicaid speech-language pathology and audiology services?
Medicaid covered speech-language pathology and audiology services can be provided by or under the direction of a qualified provider. The qualified speech-language pathologist or audiologist takes professional responsibility for any services provided under their direction. ASHA's Technical Report, Medicaid Guidance for Speech-Language Pathology Services: Addressing the "Under the Direction of" Rule, provides more information on this topic.
What are criteria for a speech-language pathologist to be considered a qualified provider under Medicaid?
Regulations specify that services, if a benefit in the state, will be covered if providers meet the following qualifications:
What are criteria for an audiologist to be considered a qualified provider under Medicaid?
Regulations specify that services, if a benefit in the state, will be covered if providers meet the following qualifications:
Do I need a referral to provide speech-language pathology or audiology services to Medicaid beneficiaries?
Federal Medicaid regulations require that a patient receive a referral from a physician or other licensed practitioner of the healing arts acting within their scope of practice.
What speech-language pathology and audiology services are covered under Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT)?
As part of the comprehensive developmental history, speech-language pathology and audiology services are included for 1) the identification of children with speech or language impairments, 2) diagnosis and appraisal of specific speech or language impairments, 3) referral for medical or other professional attention necessary for rehabilitation of speech or language impairment, 4) provision of speech and language services, and 5) counseling and guidance of parents, children, and teachers. Additionally, EPSDT requires that any devices such as hearing aids and augmentative and alternative communication devices be covered when medically necessary. Federal Medicaid EPSDT specifically states that, at a minimum, the program include "diagnosis and treatment for defects of hearing, including hearing aids." Although ESPDT services are required to be provided, ASHA has learned that states have used the waiver program to exempt provision of all but core medical services.
Under Medicaid, what services are mandatory and what services are optional?
The Social Security Act (SSA) requires state Medicaid coverage for those individuals who are referred to as "categorically needy." For those individuals who are determined to be categorically needy, the states are required by federal law to provide the following services:
In addition to the required services listed above, states have the discretion of offering the following services to their categorically needy constituents:
Who determines how Medicaid payments are made to providers?
Each state determines reimbursement rates and coverage of services. States have great flexibility in how Medicaid payments are made to providers and have broad discretion in establishing payment methodologies and setting payment amounts. Federal Medicaid laws do not establish a specific floor or ceiling on the payment rates for an individual provider. The only federal requirement regarding provider reimbursement is that the rates must be adequate to ensure that providers participate in the program to provide appropriate access to those eligible to receive Medicaid services. State payment methodologies are described in the state Medicaid plan.
Where can I find my State's Medicaid Plan?
Contact information for the 10 CMS regional offices that have direct oversight of state Medicaid programs can be found on the CMS Web site.
Copies of state plans can be found on the CMS Web site or by requesting a hard copy of the document through the regional CMS office.