HB 949 Pennsylvania House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act amending the act of May 17, 1921 (P.L.682, No.284), known as The Insurance Company Law of 1921, in casualty insurance, further providing for speech therapy for stuttering.

HB 949 requires health insurance policies in Pennsylvania to cover habilitative and rehabilitative speech therapy for childhood stuttering and apraxia. This applies to all health insurance policies issued, renewed, or filed with the state within 180 days of the law's effective date. The bill defines "childhood stuttering" (ages 2-6) and "apraxia" (a neurological speech disorder), specifying coverage must follow standard policy terms like medical necessity and cost-sharing. It explicitly excludes school-based therapy covered solely through an individualized education program (IEP). The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 18, 2025 Last action Mar 18, 2025