Summary of H.R. 6364: Childhood Fluency Disorders Screening and Coverage Act

Purpose and Intent

The Childhood Fluency Disorders Screening and Coverage Act aims to improve early identification and access to treatment for children with speech and language disorders, particularly fluency disorders like stuttering. The bill seeks to amend the Social Security Act to require screening for these conditions and ensure Medicaid and CHIP coverage for necessary speech therapy services.

Key Provisions

1. Screening Mandate: The bill would require all state Medicaid and CHIP programs to screen children for childhood onset fluency disorders, such as stuttering, as part of their regular well-child checkups.

2. Speech Therapy Coverage: The legislation would mandate that Medicaid and CHIP provide coverage for outpatient speech therapy services for children diagnosed with a fluency disorder. This includes both individual and group therapy sessions.

3. Funding and Implementation: The bill authorizes additional federal Medicaid and CHIP funding to support the new screening and coverage requirements. States would have 1 year to come into compliance after the law takes effect.

Affected Populations

• Children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP health insurance programs
• Healthcare providers, including pediatricians and speech-language pathologists, who will be responsible for conducting screenings and providing therapy
• State Medicaid and CHIP agencies that will need to update their policies and procedures

Timeline and Next Steps

The Childhood Fluency Disorders Screening and Coverage Act was introduced in the House of Representatives on December 2, 2025. If passed, the new requirements would take effect 1 year after the date of enactment, giving states time to implement the necessary changes.