Insurance & BillingNational CMS Revises Definition of SLP for Part B Services
CMS updated the definition of a qualified speech-language pathologist for outpatient (Part B) services within the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual. This change has significant implications for the billing and practice status of provisional licensees, including those in their clinical fellowship year.
Call for Peer Review of Proposed Revisions to ASHA's Speech-Language Pathology Certification Standards
The Council for Clinical Certification in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CFCC) initiated a peer review process for proposed updates to the CCC-SLP certification standards. These standards are designed to ensure that certified speech-language pathologists maintain the necessary entry-level knowledge and professional expertise.
Insurance & BillingNational CMS Expands Patient Consent Policy for Caregiver Training
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated its policy to allow clinicians to obtain verbal consent from patients or their representatives for caregiver training sessions conducted without the patient present. This consent must be documented in the medical record to ensure compliance with Medicare billing requirements.
Insurance & BillingNational AMA Releases 2026 CPT Codebook With New Hearing Device Services Codes
The American Medical Association released the 2026 CPT codebook, which includes new codes for hearing device services. These updates are part of the ongoing evolution of billing and reimbursement standards for audiology and speech-language pathology services.
State RegulationsVirginia ASHA Support to Virginia Regarding HB 2040 SLPAs
ASHA expressed formal support for Virginia HB 2040, which authorizes the licensure of speech-language pathology assistants. ASHA recommended that supervision ratios and requirements be clearly defined via regulation to ensure appropriate practice standards.
CMS Finalizes Policy Updates for the 2026 Medicare Advantage Contract Year
CMS issued a final rule updating policy requirements for Medicare Advantage plans for the 2026 contract year. The rule, which took effect January 1, 2026, did not address many of ASHA's concerns regarding unreasonable utilization management techniques like prior authorization.
Insurance & BillingNational CMS Proposes FY 2027 Payment Policies for Acute and Post-Acute Care Settings
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released proposed payment policies for fiscal year 2027 regarding acute and post-acute care settings. ASHA continues to monitor these developments to assess the potential impact on speech-language pathology reimbursement.
Idaho Governor Proposes 2027 Medicaid Budget Cuts
In early 2026, ASHA reported that Idaho Governor Brad Little proposed a 2027 Medicaid budget that would eliminate coverage for adult audiology and all speech therapy services. ASHA is actively engaged in advocacy efforts to oppose these potential cuts and protect patient access to care.
President Signs Major Health and Education Law With Sweeping Changes
In July 2025, the President signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law, which introduces significant changes to federal programs like Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. While the law includes deep cuts to some programs, it also provides a one-year 2.5% increase in Medicare payment rates for 2026.
ASHA Support Letter to Georgia on Medicaid
ASHA submitted a formal request to Georgia state officials to increase the Medicaid reimbursement rate for CPT code 92507. The proposal seeks to align state rates with the 2025 Medicare Atlanta market rate to ensure sustainable access to services.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association· 5d ago
ReadInsurance & BillingNational CY 2026 Therapy Services Updates
CMS released updates for the 2026 calendar year, including a new KX modifier threshold of $2,480 and the addition of three new remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) codes. The update also reflects legislative extensions for PT, OT, and SLP telehealth services under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services· 5d ago
ReadASHA to Congress: Eliminate Outdated Payment Policy That Hurts Patients and Providers
ASHA and a coalition of therapy providers are urging Congress to end the Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction (MPPR) policy. This policy currently applies a 50% reduction to the practice expense of second and subsequent CPT codes for therapy services provided on the same day under Medicare Part B.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association· 5d ago
Read2025–2026 ASHA Public Policy Agenda
ASHA released its 2025–2026 Public Policy Agenda, which outlines strategic priorities for the profession including payment and coverage, service delivery access, and workforce development. The agenda focuses on protecting payment rates, expanding telehealth coverage, and navigating complex billing and coding challenges.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association· 5d ago
ReadConferences & EventsIndiana 2026 ASHA Convention: Envisioning Possibilities
The 2026 ASHA Convention is scheduled for November 19–21 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The event serves as a major professional development summit, featuring the Opening General Session and various sessions focused on the future of the speech, language, and hearing professions.
ASHA Convention· 5d ago
ReadState RegulationsRhode Island ASHA Support Letter to Rhode Island on SB 471, SLPAs
ASHA provided comments regarding Rhode Island Senate Bill 471, which proposes the registration of speech-language pathology assistants. The bill also seeks to remove the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) as a requirement for license renewal.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association· 5d ago
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