Diagnosis Destinations Apraxia Insurance Article

Insurance Article about an Insurance Appeal on Behalf of a Child with Apraxia, from the Keystater (the publication of the Pennsylvania Speech Hearing Language Association), September, 1992. "In July (1992) ASHA provided consumer assistance in obtaining payment for a child's speech-language pathology treatment that the insurer had previously denied. ASHA sent a letter recommending payment by PA Blue Shield for speech-language pathology services for a young child diagnosed with verbal apraxia. PA Blue Shield denied payment stating the plan covered only illness-related speech-language therapy, and then only to restore speech to previously attained levels. Further it noted that 'articulation disorders are not covered'. "ASHA responded to the PA Blue Shield denial by describing verbal apraxia as a medical condition consistent with the definition of illness and disease, and that it is 'a disorder of body function'. ASHA pointed out that the requirement that one must first possess an ability and then lose it does not allow for the medically related needs of infants and young children. Excluding 'articulation disorders' was noted to be perplexing because articulation disorders refer to many types of speech impairments that otherwise would be covered under the policy, such as cleft palate related speech impairments and dysarthria. ASHA observed the 'policy language was akin to saying it provided treatment for broken bones, except for breaks of the arm or leg...'"

Source: ASHA, Rockville, MD Reprinted with permission.

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