Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, offers remarks in the House Chamber. March 7, 2024.
by S Credit: Sarah Gray / Florida House of Representatives
A new bill in the Florida Legislature would guarantee coverage for stuttering treatment in Medicaid, private insurance, group health plans, and HMOs.
The sponsor of the bill says that if passed, it would help remove the stigma associated with the condition.
HB 785 would require coverage for speech therapy for children and adults who stutter, whether treatment is delivered in person or via telehealth, and would prohibit arbitrary limits on visits, annual caps, or restrictive utilization requirements such as prior authorization.
It also ensures coverage regardless of whether the stuttering is classified as developmental.
Orlando Representative Anna Eskamani says the idea came after she met with a Floridian who stuttered and faced bullying and social isolation because of it.
He told Eskamani that speech therapy changed his life, but his access to it was always uncertain.
“For him, this bill means that he can focus on finding his voice, not fighting with an insurance company,” Eskamani told WMNF.
Eskamani, a Democrat in a Republican controlled legislature, says she’s optimistic the bill will receive support across the aisle.
@chris_reports A new bill in the #Florida Legislature would guarantee coverage for #stuttering treatment in #Medicaid, private #insurance ♬ original sound – Chris Young
“At the end of the day, when you are diagnosed with a healthcare condition, no one’s asking for your party ID, no one’s asking you who you voted for. They’re asking for that insurance card,” Eskamani said.
Eskamani says speech therapy shouldn’t be treated as elective, and it’s a health need like any other treatment.
“I actually took speech classes when I was in elementary school. I had trouble pronouncing some of my letters, and that was huge for me. You know, I was able to master the English language and be able to participate, like all my other classmates.” Eskamani said.
Democratic Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith filed the Senate version of the bill.
The legislative session starts January 13th.
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This article appears in Jan. 01 – 07, 2026.