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Frequently Asked Questions - Therapy

  1. I have a speech problem; can I get therapy to improve my speech after June 30, 2009?
  2. My doctor prescribed speech therapy for me, and I am under 21 years of age; will I continue to receive the speech therapy when I turn 21?
  3. My doctor prescribed speech therapy for me before July 1, 2009; will I continue to receive the speech therapy after June 30, 2009?
  4. I have a speech generating device or “voice box” and I need speech therapy to use it properly; can I have speech therapy after June 30, 2009?
  5. My speech generating device or “voice box” needs to be repaired. Can I still have it repaired after June 30, 2009?
  6. My speech generating device or “voice box” is broken and cannot be repaired; can I have it replaced after June 30, 2009?
  7. My doctor told me that I need a speech generating device or “voice box; can I still get this device after June 30, 2009?
  8. I had a stroke and my doctor said I will need therapy to improve my speech; can I get this therapy after June 30, 2009?

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1. I have a speech problem; can I get therapy to improve my speech after June 30, 2009?

Answer: No. Only the following persons can receive speech therapy on or after July 1, 2009.

a. Pregnant women will receive the optional benefit if it is part of their pregnancy-related care or for services to treat a condition that may cause problems in pregnancy.

b. Children or young adults who are 20 years old and younger and receive full scope Medi-Cal.

c. People who live in a licensed nursing home such as a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), Intermediate Care Facility (ICF), ICF for the Developmentally Disabled (ICF-DD) and Sub Acute Facility.

  

2.  My doctor prescribed speech therapy for me, and I am under 21 years of age; will I continue to receive the speech therapy when I turn 21?

Answer: Yes. You may continue to receive and complete the speech therapy after you reach 21 years of age. Your doctor must order how long you will receive the speech therapy. Orders for “lifetime” treatment will not be accepted.

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3.  My doctor prescribed speech therapy for me before July 1, 2009; will I continue to receive the speech therapy after June 30, 2009?

Answer: Yes. You may continue to receive and complete the speech therapy after June 30, 2009. Your doctor must order how long you will receive the speech therapy. Orders for “lifetime” treatment will not be accepted.

  

4.  I have a speech generating device or “voice box” and I need speech therapy to use it properly; can I have speech therapy after June 30, 2009?

Answer: Yes. Speech therapy for using the voice box will be paid for by Medi-Cal even after July 1, 2009

 

5.  My speech generating device or “voice box” needs to be repaired. Can I still have it repaired after June 30, 2009?

Answer: Yes. Repair of a speech generating device or “voice box” will be paid for by Medi-Cal even after July 1, 2009.

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6.  My speech generating device or “voice box” is broken and cannot be repaired; can I have it replaced after June 30, 2009?

Answer: Yes. Your doctor can order a new “voice box” for you.

 

7.  My doctor told me that I need a speech generating device or “voice box”; can I still get this device after June 30 2009?

Answer: Yes. The criteria for approval of the speech generating device or “voice box” remains the same. You must meet the same current criteria before the device is approved.

 

8.  I had a stroke and my doctor said I will need therapy to improve my speech; can I get this therapy after June 30, 2009?

Answer: No. Only the following persons can receive speech therapy on or after July 1, 2009.

a. Pregnant women will receive the optional benefit if it is part of their pregnancy-related care or for services to treat a condition that may cause problems in pregnancy.

b. Children or young adults who are 20 years old and younger and receive full scope Medi-Cal.

c. People who live in a licensed nursing home such as a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), Intermediate Care Facility (ICF), ICF for the Developmentally Disabled (ICF-DD) and Sub Acute Facility.