Expands Medicaid coverage to include neuropsychological exams for dyslexia

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jamaal Bailey and 1 co-sponsor

Expands Medicaid to cover neuropsychological exams for dyslexia, enabling earlier diagnosis and access to interventions for affected enrollees and their families.

REFERRED TO HEALTH

Purpose and intent

The bill seeks to expand the state's Medicaid program to cover neuropsychological examinations used in the evaluation and diagnosis of dyslexia.

By adding these exams to covered services, the bill aims to improve access to comprehensive assessments that can inform timely identification and intervention for individuals with dyslexia.

Key provisions

Requires Medicaid to cover neuropsychological exams for dyslexia. The text specifies that these examinations would be a covered service within the Medicaid program, expanding current eligibility to include this diagnostic evaluation.

The bill does not specify additional details in the provided summary (e.g., frequency, age limits, provider qualifications, or reimbursement rates). Details such as these would typically be addressed in the full bill language and any implementing regulations.

Who is affected

Medicaid enrollees who require dyslexia-related neuropsychological evaluations (likely children and other individuals who qualify for Medicaid benefits and need dyslexia assessments).

Providers such as licensed neuropsychologists and other diagnostic professionals who administer these exams and bill Medicaid.

Families and guardians seeking formal assessment results to support educational planning and interventions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced: April 23, 2025.

Status: Referred to the Health Committee (noted twice in the legislative actions; both entries show the same referral on 2025-04-23).

Legislative actions indicate the bill is in early committee consideration; no amendments or floor action are recorded in the provided summary.

Related/budget or policy context: A companion bill exists in the Assembly, identified as A 2721, suggesting cross-chamber collaboration.

Sponsors: Jamaal Bailey (primary) and Cordell Cleare (cosponsor).

Potential impact and considerations

Access and equity: Could reduce barriers to obtaining dyslexia diagnoses by covering a standard diagnostic tool within Medicaid, enabling earlier and more accurate identification.

Educational planning: Diagnosed individuals may gain earlier access to appropriate interventions and accommodations.

Fiscal implications: Not specified in the provided information; expansion typically involves state Medicaid budget considerations and potential impact on reimbursement costs for providers.

Unknowns to note

Exact scope, including eligibility criteria, provider qualifications, reimbursement rates, and any limits on the number of exams.

Any phased implementation timeline or effective date beyond committee referral.

This summary conveys the essential content based on the information provided. For a deeper understanding, reviewing the full bill text and any fiscal notes or analyses would be helpful.

Bill