Funding Options For Speech Therapy

Many families wonder whether speech therapy can be accessed through Medicare or other funding supports.

There are several pathways that may help families access support.

Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan

A Medicare CDM plan is organised through your GP.

This plan can provide a Medicare rebate for a limited number of allied health sessions (5) each calendar year. Families usually pay a gap fee in addition to the rebate.

To access this rebate your child must present with two area of concern for example sensory and speech, or speech and hearing.

Medicare M10 Autism Assessment Item

The Medicare M10 item is a newer funding pathway that may support multidisciplinary assessment for eligible children under 25.

This may include assessment support related to:

• Autism

• ADHD

• Neurodevelopmental differences

• Communication delays/ disorders

Not all GPs are familiar with the newer M10 pathway yet.

Your speech pathologist can often help guide families regarding referral pathways and what questions to ask your GP.

NDIS Funding

Children may also access speech pathology through the NDIS when communication difficulties significantly impact everyday functioning.

Speech pathology may fall under:

• Early Childhood Supports

• Capacity Building Supports

Private Therapy

Families may also choose private therapy without referrals.

A speech pathology assessment can help determine the most appropriate support pathway for your child.