Funding
Funding Opportunities for Speech Therapy in British Columbia
You can begin speech therapy services without a physician’s referral; self-referral is sufficient. Please note that speech and language services are not covered by MSP. Below is a list of funding options to help you determine your eligibility.
Speech-language pathologists in the private sector offer services on a fee-for-service basis. Individuals and families may need to pay these fees directly or approve a funding source to be billed by the speech-language pathologists.
The duration of the assessment varies depending on the client’s age, participation ability, and communication issues. Consequently, therapy recommendations and session fees also vary based on the session’s length and the number of participants. Fees include the cost for the client as well as the necessary planning, preparation, and charting done by the pathologist.
There are many funding support programs available to help families access speech and language therapy. These programs outline specific eligibility requirements, including assessments. Funding options can assist families in covering the costs of programs that enhance their children’s communication, social, emotional, life, and academic skills.
Available Funding Sources for Speech-Language Pathologist Services:
YOUR EXTENDED HEALTH PLAN
Check with your insurance provider to understand their coverage for speech-language pathology services, including assessments and therapy programs. Many organizations offer medical insurance plans that cover rehabilitation services such as speech, language, and swallowing therapy. Examples of extended health care providers include Pacific Blue Cross and Great-West Life.
WORKSAFEBC:
WorkSafeBC offers rehabilitation services for workers injured on the job, including speech therapy, communication therapy, and swallowing therapy.
ICBC INSURANCE
ICBC provides coverage for recovery services, including speech, language, and swallowing therapy, for individuals involved in vehicle accidents.
Government Funding Sources For Children’s Services
The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) offers the following programs to qualifying clients with individual support for language pathology speech services:
POST ADOPTION
Discuss the Post Adoption Assistance Program (PAA) with social workers. This program provides funding for children with disabilities adopted through the Ministry of Children and Family Development, including support for speech therapy.
AUTISM FUNDING PROGRAM
THE AT HOME PROGRAM (AHP)
The At Home Program provides funds to parents caring for children with significant disabilities. This program includes funding for speech therapy, respite care, and medical care.
Charities
The following organizations and charities determine family eligibility and provide specific grants for disabled children if the criteria are met:
- Variety – A Children’s Charity Variety offers financial support to families of children with disabilities so that they can access: healthcare services, including speech therapy, facilities, and recreational programs.
- CKNW Orphan’s Fund The CKNW children’s Fund offers to fund families with financial problems so that they can access: healthcare services, including speech therapy, specialized tools, scholarships, and summer camp sponsorships.
- Special Needs Child Care Subsidy This grant from the Ministry of Children and Family Welfare aims to help make child care more accessible for families of children with disabilities.