Medicare support for Speech Therapy

Big news for families and speech pathologists!
From 1 March 2026, Medicare is expanding support for Medicare-rebated assessments and treatment services provided by speech pathologists.

The following conditions are now added to the eligible disabilities list for the Medicare M10 group:

• Stuttering
• Speech sound disorders
• Cleft lip and/or palate

Service users must:

• Be under 25 years of age
• Have a referral from a GP, consultant physician or specialist
• Be suspected of, or diagnosed with, an eligible condition under the M10 list

What does it include?

• Up to 8 assessment sessions
• Up to 20 treatment sessions
  (Total services available before turning 25)

Why is this important?
Speech and language therapy often requires more than 5 sessions to make meaningful progress. This expansion enables earlier and more comprehensive intervention, giving children and young people a better chance to develop communication skills, confidence, and independence.

More info from Speech Pathology Australia

"M10” in Medicare refers to a group of allied health items for children and young people under 25 with complex neuro-developmental disorders or eligible disabilities.