I am writing this petition as a concerned speech-language pathologist who has dedicated my career to helping individuals, particularly children, reach their full communicative potential. As an owner of a small, private practice, I operate on slim financial margins to provide essential, life-changing services to our local community.

In recent months, I have learned of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) proposed changes to the reimbursement rates for speech-language pathology services. This proposal, if implemented, would severely undervalue the necessary work that speech therapists do and threaten the very survival of private practices like mine.

Private practices are not just businesses; they are lifelines for countless individuals who rely on accessibility to speech therapy to improve their quality of life. These proposed reimbursement reductions would force many practices to make heartbreaking decisions. We might have to reduce our services, lay off dedicated staff who are deeply committed to their patients, or in the most dire circumstances, close our doors entirely, which could drive us to the brink of bankruptcy.

The repercussions of these cuts extend far beyond financial hardship for therapists. Reduced access to speech-language therapy disproportionately impacts our most vulnerable populations: children with disabilities and disorders, seniors recovering from strokes, and others in need of communication support. These individuals could face increased wait times, travel further for care, or potentially forego necessary treatment altogether if their local providers can no longer afford to serve them.

CMS needs to weigh the devastating effects these changes will have on the accessibility and quality of speech-language pathology services. The agency must consider the long-term impact on patients who depend on consistent, quality therapy to progress and thrive. It is imperative to maintain a fair and sustainable reimbursement model that reflects the essential nature of these services.

This issue is deeply personal to me and many of my colleagues who have built careers around caring for and improving the lives of our patients. Our practices are woven into the fabric of our communities, and we are dedicated to continuing our work. However, without adequate support, the sustainability of private practices is at risk.

I urge CMS to reconsider these potential reductions and work with speech-language pathology professionals to establish reimbursement rates that reflect the true value of our services. This reconsideration is essential not only for the financial viability of practices but also for the well-being of thousands of individuals who rely on us.

Please join me in my fight to protect access to necessary speech therapy services by signing this petition. Let's ensure that speech therapy remains a viable and accessible resource for all who need it.