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Bill

HB 5102

Relating to coverage for the treatment of stuttering

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Amos and 7 co-sponsors

Requires West Virginia health insurers to cover stuttering treatment services provided by speech-language pathologists to improve access to therapeutic care.

To House Banking and Insurance
#health #insurance
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Bill Summary · HB 5102

Legislative bill overview

HB 5102 would require health insurance plans in West Virginia to cover stuttering treatment services. The bill mandates that insurance providers include speech-language pathology services for stuttering as a covered benefit, removing potential barriers to accessing therapeutic care for individuals with this speech disorder.

Why is this important

Stuttering affects approximately 1% of the population and can significantly impact educational, professional, and social outcomes. Without insurance coverage mandates, treatment costs can be prohibitive, leaving many individuals unable to access evidence-based speech therapy that can improve fluency and quality of life.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost implications: Insurers may argue that mandated coverage increases premiums for all policyholders, though the actual cost impact depends on stuttering prevalence and treatment utilization rates
  • Definition and scope ambiguity: The bill's language regarding what constitutes covered "treatment" and eligible providers (speech-language pathologists) may need clarification to prevent disputes over covered services
  • Existing coverage variations: Some insurance plans already cover stuttering treatment; the mandate could create inconsistent requirements across different plan types and may face resistance from plans currently offering limited speech therapy benefits

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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