Stuttering Coverage

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) issued this provider notice on September 23, 2026, confirming coverage of medically necessary habilitative services for early-acquired speech-language disorders, including stuttering, for children under the age of 21. Coverage is effective for dates of service on or after July 1, 2026. The coverage obligation derives from Illinois Public Act 104-0528. The notice applies to both the Medicaid fee-for-service (FFS) program and HealthChoice Illinois managed care organizations (MCOs). HFS also confirms that stuttering treatment was already available to this population through the medically necessary rehabilitative services benefit category prior to this notice. The Chapter J-200 Handbook for Providers of Therapy Services will be updated in a future publication to reflect this policy change. The handbook does not yet reflect the change as of the notice date. Providers with questions are directed to the Bureau of Professional and Ancillary Services at 877-782-5565 or the applicable MCO.