You or your child may be eligible for Medicare rebates through the following programs:

• Chronic Disease Management Plan

• Helping Children with Autism

• Better Start Initiative

Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP) for Speech Pathology

A Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP) is a Medicare program that allows people with a chronic medical condition to access rebates for allied health services, including speech pathology.

This plan is arranged by your GP.

Who Is Eligible?

Children and adults who:

• Have a chronic medical condition (present for 6 months or more, or expected to last 6 months or longer)

• Have complex care needs requiring a multidisciplinary approach

• Have a GP Management Plan and Team Care Arrangement prepared by their GP

Eligibility is determined by your GP.

If you're unsure about your or your child's eligibility, we recommend discussing it with your GP for further guidance

What Services Are Covered?

Under a CDMP, patients can access:

• Up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year

• These sessions can be used for speech pathology or shared across different allied health providers (e.g. OT, physiotherapy, psychology)

Medicare Rebate:

• $61.80 per session (as at 16 February 2026)

Speech pathologists set their own fees, so there may be an out-of-pocket (gap) cost.

Important Information

• The 5 sessions reset on 1 January each year.

• A referral from your GP is required before claiming.

• The rebate is paid back to you after the session.

• Any additional sessions beyond the 5 allocated per year are privately billed.

Medicare Update for Speech Pathology (From 1 March 2026)

From 1 March 2026, children and young adults under 25 with certain speech diagnoses are recognised as having an eligible disability under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) M10 allied health items.

This allows families to access additional Medicare rebates for speech pathology services with a referral from a GP, paediatrician, or medical specialist.

Who Is Eligible?

Children and young adults who:

• Are under 25 years of age

• Have a confirmed diagnosis of:

  • Stuttering

  • Speech sound disorder (articulation or phonological disorder)

  • Childhood apraxia of speech

  • Dysarthria

  • Cleft lip and/or palate

• Have a referral from a:

  • GP

  • Paediatrician

  • Medical specialist

What Services Are Covered?

Speech Pathology Assessment Sessions

Up to 8 sessions (lifetime)
Minimum 50 minutes per session
Medicare rebate: $87.25 per session (as at 16 February 2026)

MBS Item Numbers:

• 82005 – Face-to-face assessment

• 93033 – Video assessment

• 93041 – Telephone assessment

Speech Pathology Treatment Sessions

Up to 20 sessions (lifetime)
Minimum 30 minutes per session
Medicare rebate: $87.25 per session

MBS Item Numbers:

• 82020 – Face-to-face treatment

• 93036 – Video treatment

• 93044 – Telephone treatment

Important Information

• A lifetime limit of 8 assessment and 20 treatment sessions applies.

• A new referral is required after:

  • The first 4 assessment sessions, or

  • The first 10 treatment sessions.

• Families are responsible for any gap fee between the Medicare rebate and the session fee.

Can This Be Used with a CDMP?

Yes. Families may also access a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP) through their GP.

Under a CDMP:

• Up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year

• Medicare rebate: $61.80 per session (as at 16 February 2026)

Eligible families may be able to access:

• 5 sessions per year under a CDMP, and

• Up to 8 assessment and 20 treatment sessions under the M10 disability items (lifetime limits)

Your speech pathologist and GP can help determine the most appropriate referral pathway for your child.

Find More Information

• More details on the MBS allied health changes:
  https://www.health.gov.au/.../diagnosis-and-treatment-for...

• Additional guidance from Speech Pathology Australia:
  https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/Public/Membe…

Private health rebates for speech pathology services may be available through your health fund. Please check with your provider regarding rebates and eligibility under your specific level of cover. To assist with this, the following item numbers can help your fund determine coverage:

• 320 – Speech Pathology Assessment

• 340 – Speech Pathology Therapy Consultation

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The NDIS is a nationwide funding program designed to support individuals with disabilities. The NDIS Early Childhood Approach specifically assists children under six with developmental delays, as well as children under nine with disabilities, and their families in accessing the right support when needed.

We offer services for NDIS participants, whether they are self-managed or plan-managed.