Speech Therapy

Speech therapy, also known as speech-language pathology, is a healthcare service that addresses disorders of speech, language, voice, fluency, and swallowing. TRICARE covers medically necessary speech therapy when prescribed by a physician and provided by a TRICARE-authorized speech-language pathologist.

Speech therapy services covered by TRICARE: • Speech sound disorder treatment (articulation therapy) • Language disorder intervention (receptive and expressive language) • Fluency disorder treatment (stuttering) • Voice disorder therapy • Swallowing disorder (dysphagia) treatment • Cognitive-communication therapy • Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) • Pediatric speech and language development

Common conditions requiring speech therapy: • Traumatic brain injury affecting communication • Stroke-related speech and language impairment • Childhood speech and language delays • Hearing loss-related communication difficulties • Neurological conditions (Parkinson's, ALS) • Cleft palate and craniofacial conditions

TRICARE speech therapy coverage: • Referral from PCM required for TRICARE Prime • No referral needed for TRICARE Select • Standard cost-sharing based on plan and provider type • Prior authorization may be required for extended treatment • Available at MTFs and civilian providers

Early intervention for speech and language disorders, especially in children, leads to better outcomes and is strongly supported under TRICARE coverage.