Speech pathology Medicare items update

From 1 March 2026, the Complex Neurodevelopmental Conditions and eligible disabilities list has been expanded to include stuttering, speech sound disorders, and cleft lip and/or palate.

Children and young people may be eligible for subsidised Speech Pathology services under Medicare if they:

• are under 25 years of age

• are not admitted to hospital

• have a valid referral from a GP, specialist or consultant physician.

This expansion highlights existing Medicare items that support access to allied health assessment and ongoing therapy for children and young people with developmental delay or clinically significant challenges across two or more areas, including cognitive, language, motor, social‑emotional development, or adaptive behaviour.

Medicare benefits include:

• Up to 8 allied health assessments per lifetime

• Up to 20 allied health treatment sessions per lifetime (up to 10 per referral)

• Case conferences, with no limit
  Additional allied health referrals can be arranged with agreement from the referring doctor.

Read the latest update: Diagnosis and treatment for eligible disabilities – Fact Sheet (1 March 2026)
More information: Complex Neurodevelopmental Conditions and Eligible Disabilities – Medicare Services collection