Speech-language evaluation: Medicaid rates by state
1 states publish a Medicaid rate for speech-language evaluation, compared at the therapist slp level. The median is $98.88 per hour; per hour, rates range from $98.88 in Arkansas to $98.88 in Arkansas.
- States
- 1
- Median per hour
- $98.88
- Highest
- $98.88Arkansas
- Lowest
- $98.88Arkansas
- Rates on file
- 3,033
Speech-language evaluation: highest and lowest states
Headline rate per state for the same provider level, converted to an hour.
How speech-language evaluation is compared
States publish speech-language evaluation under their own codes, modifiers and units. To compare them, this page picks the rate in each state that matches the same service and provider level.
- Provider level. States are compared at the speech-language pathologist level. Rates for other levels on file (physician or licensed psychologist, any qualified provider, case manager / support coordinator and registered nurse) are kept separate, never mixed into this ranking.
- Unit. All 1 states publish their headline rate per 30 min, so the amounts compare directly. The ranking converts every time-based rate to an hour of service, so states that bill by the 15 minutes and by the hour compare directly.
- Variants. 1 of the 1 states publish more than one rate for this service (by modifier, program, setting or provider type); the headline rate is the one that matches the comparison, and the workspace lists every variant.
- Depth. 3,033 rates for this service are on file across all states, versions and provider levels; this page shows one headline rate per state.
Why speech-language evaluation rates differ between states
The highest-paying state, Arkansas, pays $98.88 per hour; the lowest, Arkansas, pays $98.88 per hour. 0 of the 1 states pay above the median of $98.88 per hour. Common reasons rates for therapy (PT/OT/speech) services spread this way:
- Children's therapy is driven by the EPSDT benefit, so some states maintain separate pediatric rates or programs.
- Visit limits, prior authorization and annual caps vary by state and change how much a single code is worth to a practice.
- States pay therapy by CPT code, but many pay therapy assistants a reduced percentage and some pay differently in outpatient hospital, private practice and home settings.
Billing notes
Medicare applies a rule for counting timed minutes into units; Medicaid programs may follow it or set their own, so check the state's therapy manual. Many treatment codes are timed in 15-minute units, while evaluations and re-evaluations are billed once per session.
Frequently asked questions
Which state pays the most for speech-language evaluation?
Arkansas: $49.44 per 30 min ($98.88 per hour).
Which state pays the least for speech-language evaluation?
Arkansas: $49.44 per 30 min ($98.88 per hour).
What is the average Medicaid rate for speech-language evaluation?
Across 1 states the median is $98.88 per hour, comparing the same provider level in each state. 0 states pay above it.
How are the states compared?
One headline rate per state, matched on the service and the speech-language pathologist level and converted to an hour of service. Rates for other provider levels and add-ons are not mixed in.
What unit is speech-language evaluation billed in?
All 1 states publish it per 30 min, so the amounts compare directly.
Do managed-care plans pay these rates?
It depends on the state. Each state's managed-care page shows whether plans must pay at least the published rate, follow a state-set rate, or negotiate their own for this service line.