Language Training: HSA Eligibility

What is language training?

Language training, also commonly referred to as speech-language pathology, is the work conducted by speech-language pathologists in preventing, assessing and diagnosing speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders in both children and adults. Speech disorders can occur when a person is unable to produce speech sounds correctly or fluently, while language disorders typically refer to the condition of patients being unable to process receptive language, or conversely, have the ability to share thoughts, ideas and feelings in the form of expressive language to another individual (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association).

Individuals who specialize in language training typically work with those who have some form of a spoken language disorder (SLD), which refers to a significant impairment in the acquisition and use of language in speech, sign language and other forms of verbal expression. While some of these conditions are intellectual or developmental disabilities, some directly relate to the treatment of a medical condition that has caused a person to lose the ability to speak effectively. In these cases, language training is essential to re-learn the ability to process and convey information to others (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association).

Some of the most common medical conditions that may require language training include traumatic brain injuries, hearing loss, stroke, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, a cleft palate and much more. In many cases, speech-language pathologists will actively collaborate with other healthcare professionals to create a multi-disciplinary approach to treat speech-language disorders, including doctors, dentists, occupational therapists, behavior consultants and more.

How do I obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) for language training?

A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) for language training is necessary for reimbursement with most benefits providers to ensure that it is necessary for the treatment of a medical condition. This letter must outline how an account holder's medical condition necessitates language training, how the treatment will be used to alleviate the issue and how long the treatment will last. If the treatment plan exceeds the current plan year, another LMN will have to be provided to the benefits administrator to cover the duration of the treatment.