Bill
HB 4484
Allows Michigan-licensed SLPs to seek Medicaid reimbursement for audiological rehab and speech-language therapy without an ASHA CCC.
Status (key dates)
- Filed: March 12, 2025
- Introduced in House: May 8, 2025 (Rep. Joseph D. Fox)
- Referred to House Committee on Health Policy: May 8, 2025
- Reported from committee (Health Policy → Rules): Sept. 3 & Sept. 25, 2025
- Passed House (with immediate effect): Oct. 22, 2025 (Roll Call #256 — Yeas 102, Nays 1)
- Transmitted to next chamber / referred to Committee on Health Policy (other chamber): Oct. 22–28, 2025
Purpose and intent
HB 4484 would amend the Social Welfare Act (1939 PA 280) by adding section 109z (proposed MCL 400.109z) to ensure that speech‑language pathologists (SLPs) who are licensed in Michigan may seek Medicaid reimbursement for audiological rehabilitation and speech‑language therapy services even if they do not hold a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC). The provision explicitly preempts any Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) rules, regulations, or guidelines that would require a CCC for reimbursement.
Key provisions
- Adds MCL 400.109z to the Social Welfare Act.
- States: Notwithstanding any contrary DHHS rules/guidelines, a speech‑language pathologist who is licensed to practice in Michigan may seek Medicaid reimbursement for:
- audiological rehabilitation services, and
- speech‑language therapy services.
- Clarifies that reimbursement eligibility under Medicaid does not depend on possession of an American Speech‑Language‑Hearing Association (ASHA) Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC).
Who is affected
- Primary: Michigan‑licensed speech‑language pathologists (SLPs) who lack the ASHA CCC but are otherwise licensed in the state.
- Secondary: Medicaid beneficiaries who receive audiological rehabilitation or speech‑language therapy; DHHS administrative policy; payers, employers, and institutions that set credentialing/reimbursement expectations.
- Potential effect: increased provider access for Medicaid recipients if more SLPs enroll as Medicaid providers.
Fiscal impact
- Estimated by House Fiscal Agency as negligible to the state Medicaid program. Both service types are already reimbursable under Medicaid; any cost increase would stem from greater utilization due to expanded provider participation rather than new covered services.
Background and rationale
- DHHS had revised Medicaid enrollment guidance to permit state‑licensed SLPs (or appropriately certified out‑of‑state practitioners) to enroll without a CCC. HB 4484 would codify that policy into statute to prevent reversal by administrative action and to provide clarity for insurers, employers, and credentialing entities.
Positions noted in committee
- Support: Fix SLP, Memorial Healthcare, Michigan Health & Hospital Association.
- Neutral: Michigan Speech‑Language‑Hearing Association.
Limitations / things not addressed
- The bill does not change reimbursement rates, define service scope beyond naming the two service categories, or alter licensure requirements. It does not modify private insurer requirements except insofar as it provides statutory clarity.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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