Bill Requiring Insurance Coverage for Stuttering Treatment Clears Assembly Committee
Check out our video of NBA Star Michael Kidd-Gilchrist as he testifies on behalf of Americans who stutter. Assembly bill A5133 would require health insurance and Medicaid coverage for stuttering treatment.
TRENTON — Former NBA star and South Jersey native, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, testified at the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee on Thursday, April 10, 2025, for a bill that would require health insurers and the State Medicaid program to provide coverage for medical expenses accumulated in the treatment of stuttering.
Assemblywomen Alixon Collazos-Gill, Andrea Katz and Shama Haider sponsored Bill A5133.
“Treatment for stuttering can have life-altering benefits, yet be out of reach financially for some individuals, a fact that is simply unacceptable,” said Assemblywoman Collazos-Gill (D-Essex and Passaic). “With legislation like this, we are also spreading awareness of the prevalence of stuttering, while helping those who need it the most.”
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately three million Americans stutter. Kidd-Gilchrist is among them.
“As kids, it’s very hard and challenging for us to be understood at times,” said Kidd-Gilchrist.“I have been judged a lot as an athlete and also as a person so as I advocate for this bill, I do see it as a human thing.”
The cost of treatment of stuttering may often be unaffordable for patients. Speech therapy generally costs between $75-$250 per session, with the overall treatment taking several months, according to a study by the New Jersey Mandated Health Benefits Advisory Commission.
“Stuttering impacts so many people in New Jersey, and speech therapy is an effective way to improve lives,” said Assemblywoman Katz (D-Atlantic and Burlington). “As legislators, it is our job to ensure everyone has the tools they need to live full and healthy lives. That’s why I’m so proud to partner with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist on this bill.”
The bill would require coverage to be provided whether the services are delivered in-person or through telemedicine or telehealth.
“This legislation is about making it easier for the patient to get help, even when they can’t get to the doctor,” said Assemblywoman Haider (D-Bergen). “People need access to care, whether it is in person or through telemedicine. Removing barriers would greatly improve the health outcomes for our constituents and this bill is an important way to do that.”
A5133 would require both private and public health insurers and the State Medicaid program to cover medical expenses incurred in treating stuttering, including habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy. The covered individual's medical doctor would determine whether treatment is necessary.
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