How SPA is representing you
Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) is actively advocating for improvements to Medicare access for speech pathology services, including:
Better access to Medicare funding for people with stuttering, speech sound disorders, and cleft lip ± palate
SPA has successfully advocated for the expansion of MBS M10 eligibility to include stuttering, speech sound disorder (SSD), and cleft lip ± palate!
The MBS M10 item funds assessment and treatment services for people under 25 years with certain eligible disabilities. Individuals can access up to 8 assessment sessions and 20 treatment sessions with health professionals, including speech pathologists, through a referral from a medical practitioner.
In March 2025, the Federal Government announced that people with stuttering, SSD, and cleft lip ± palate will become eligible to access speech pathology services under existing MBS items – 82005, 82020, 93033, 93036, 93041, and 93044. This targeted expansion is scheduled to commence approximately March 2026 and is expected to benefit up to 385,000 people.
This outcome follows more than a decade of sustained advocacy by SPA. While developmental language disorder (DLD) was not included in this measure despite SPA’s strong advocacy, SPA remains committed to exploring alternative funding avenues for DLD.
We continue to engage with the Department of Health and Aged Care to support the implementation of this amendment.
Learn more about the eligible conditions below:
Engagement with the review of MBS allied health chronic condition management services
The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) chronic condition management (CCM; formerly known as chronic disease management) items provide access to rebated allied health services for people with chronic conditions and complex care needs. These MBS items – including 10970, 93000 and 93013 for speech pathology services – currently allow only five allied health sessions per calendar year, shared across all eligible professions. For people needing support from multiple providers, this limit may result in no sessions being available for speech pathology, or incomplete treatment and poor outcomes.
The Medicare Review Advisory Committee (MRAC) is currently reviewing MBS allied health chronic disease management services. SPA is supporting this process by contributing evidence to help inform the consultation and advocate for improved access to allied health services through CCM items. We participated in an interview with the consultation team, where we outlined systemic issues and opportunities for reform.
We have also submitted an evidence briefing to the consultant leading the review. The briefing presents key issues reported by members and supported by published literature and includes 12 recommendations to improve access, affordability, and continuity of care for people with communication and swallowing needs.
This review commenced in August 2024 and is expected to take 18 months to complete. Public consultation is expected in 2026, and Speech Pathology Australia will participate as part of its ongoing engagement with the review.