More speech pathology sessions for young people now available through Medicare

The Australian Government is delivering on our election commitment and expanding access to support services for children and young people with severe speech and language disorders, including stuttering, speech sound disorders, cleft lip and cleft palate.
 
The Australian Government is investing $74.9 million to ensure more than 385,000 patients under 25 years of age can access life-changing speech pathology services through Medicare. 
 
Currently, these patients are only able to access five chronic condition management sessions a year across MBS allied health professions.  
 
From 1 March 2026, eligible patients will also receive Medicare rebates for up to eight assessment and 20 treatment sessions with a range of allied health professionals, including speech pathologists.  
 
The expanded MBS services will mean children with cleft conditions, who undergo surgery at an early stage of life and may require intensive speech therapy, will have greater access to these services during a critical developmental period.
 
The Australasian Cleft Lip and Palate Association advises that roughly one baby in every 800 in Australia is born with cleft lip or palate (about 375 babies per year).
 
The expansion of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) for patients with cleft conditions is in addition to existing government funding to assist with treatment costs for cleft and craniofacial conditions requiring major dental and skeletal treatment. As well as a limited range of orthodontic, oral surgery and general prosthodontic services for eligible patients.
 
Patients can access the suite of services through referral to a speech pathologist or other allied health professional by their GP, specialist or consultant physician.
 
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
 
“This investment will mean more kids and young adults can get the best start to life with access to affordable speech pathology services.
 
“Speech pathology can be life changing. Through this investment we are building brighter futures for Australian kids and young adults.” 
 
“Children with cleft conditions require a range of medical supports from birth and the expansion of access to speech therapies increases access at this critical developmental stage of life”,
 
Quotes attributable to Kathryn McKinley, National President, Speech Pathology Australia:
 
“Speech pathology intervention can change lives and removing barriers to access to care is critical to helping children and young people participate fully in life. 
 
“Speech Pathology Australia has worked closely with the department and stakeholders over several years to provide the clinical advice supporting this change.
 
“Expanded Medicare access will improve equity, reduce financial pressure on families and support stronger lifelong outcomes for children and young people.”