Does TRICARE cover speech therapy?

TRICARE covers speech-language pathology services when medically necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders. Covered conditions include articulation disorders, language delays in children, stuttering and fluency disorders, voice disorders, aphasia following stroke or brain injury, and dysphagia (swallowing difficulties). Services must be provided by a TRICARE-authorized speech-language pathologist or at a military treatment facility. Under TRICARE Prime, a referral from the primary care manager is required, while TRICARE Select permits direct access to network speech therapists. TRICARE covers both evaluations and ongoing treatment sessions, though continued therapy must demonstrate measurable progress toward functional goals. Coverage extends to both children and adults, making it particularly important for dependents with developmental speech delays or service members recovering from traumatic brain injuries.