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Funding & Insurance

Talking Keyboards devices are classified as Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) — medical assistive technology designed to help individuals with speech impairments communicate effectively.

Many private insurance plans, Medicare, and government programs recognize Talking Keyboards as medically necessary equipment and may provide partial or full coverage.

How Insurance Coverage Works

Talking Keyboards qualify as Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) and may be covered by:

  • Private health insurance
  • Medicare (Part B)
  • Certain government assistance programs

 

Many insurance providers — including Medicare — offer 80% to 100% coverage for eligible individuals.

If you have private insurance, contact your provider directly to:

  • Confirm coverage for Speech Generating Devices
  • Ask about reimbursement requirements
  • Verify required documentation

Most insurance claims for SGDs require:

  • A doctor’s prescription
  • The correct HCPCS billing code
  • A formal Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) evaluation

Medicare Coverage for Speech Generating Devices

Medicare refers to AAC devices as Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) and classifies them as Durable Medical Equipment (DME).

Medicare may provide coverage when the following conditions are met:

Basic Eligibility Requirements

The beneficiary must:

  1. Be enrolled in Medicare Part B
  2. Live at home or in an assisted living facility
    (Coverage does not apply if the individual resides in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or hospice.)
  3. Be evaluated by a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
  4. Receive a physician’s prescription for the SGD
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Required SLP Evaluation

Before the device is delivered, the patient must complete a formal evaluation by a Speech-Language Pathologist. The written evaluation must include:

  • Description of the current communication impairment
    (type, severity, language skills, cognitive ability, expected progression)
  • Assessment of whether natural communication methods could meet daily needs
  • Functional communication goals
  • Rationale for selecting the specific device and accessories
  • Evidence of a treatment and training plan
  • Confirmation that the patient has the cognitive and physical ability to use the device
  • For upgrades: explanation of functional benefit compared to the previous device

  1. Additionally, Medicare requires confirmation that:

    • The patient has a severe expressive speech impairment
    • Natural communication methods are insufficient
    • Alternative treatments have been considered
    • The patient is expected to benefit from the device
    • The SLP’s written evaluation was forwarded to the physician before ordering
    • The evaluating SLP has no financial relationship with the supplier

    If these criteria are not met, the device may be denied as not medically necessary.

    Medicare Billing Codes

    Speech Generating Devices are billed under specific HCPCS codes, including:

    • E2500
    • E2502–E2506
    • E2508–E2511

    Medicare typically does not cover more than one SGD serving the same essential function.

    Many private insurance providers now cover 80% or more of the cost of SGDs.

    When speaking with your provider, ask about:

    “Speech Generating Devices – HCPCS Code E2510KX”

    Medicare Resources

    For more detailed Medicare information regarding SGDs:

    http://aac-rerc.psu.edu/index.php/pages/show/id/5

    You may also review the Medicare Regional Medical Review Policy (RMRP) and National Coverage Determination (NCD) guidelines.

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