Funding Resources
Connecting you with financial support for care
Private speech-language pathologists provide services on a fee-for-service basis. Clients may pay directly or authorize billing to an approved funding source. Please note that BC’s Medical Services Plan does not cover private speech, language, or swallowing therapy.
Possible funding sources for Speech-Language Pathologist services include:
Your extended health plan
Check with your insurance provider to see if they cover speech-language pathology services (speech-language evaluation and/or therapy).
WorkSafeBC
Check with your insurance provider to see if they cover speech-language pathology services (speech-language evaluation and/or therapy).
ICBC Autoplan
may provide accident benefits and reimbursement for “reasonable and necessary” expenses related to rehabilitation services for individuals with injuries, including speech-language therapy.
Government funding sources for children’s services
The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) provides individual funding for speech-language pathology services to eligible clients through the following programs:
- Post adoption – Talk to your social worker about the Post Adoption Assistance Program (PAA).
- The At Home Program (AHP) Program Guide
- School-Aged Extended Therapies Benefits of the At Home Program (Info Sheet)
- Autism Funding Program
Other Funding Programs:
- Jordan’s Principle (Federal Government) is a child-first principle, named in memory of Jordan River Anderson, a young boy from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba, to ensure First Nations children get the services they need when they need them.
- Miyoopimaatishihk (Wellbeing) Program (Métis Nation British Columbia) available to children from birth to eight years, who are enrolled in the Métis Family Connections Program. Through the Miyoopimaatishihk (Wellbeing) Program, families can apply for financial support to assist with the cost of a wide range of services, programs and products, including but not limited to respite care, speech therapy, assessments, specialized equipment, and mental health supports.
Charities
The following charities determine family eligibility and provide individual grants for children with special needs if requirements are met:
Funding for Audiology Services
Many hearing services are offered through schools, health centres, hospitals, and treatment centres. These services are publicly funded or have a minimal charge.
In BC, there are also a number of specialized programs, such as specialized early intervention programs for children diagnosed with a hearing loss.
For more information about services for children, contact your local health unit or children’s hospital. For adults, contact a local private hearing clinic for more information.
Where to get hearing services in BC
Babies
BC has a universal hearing screening program for babies born in BC. The program provides free screening, follow-up diagnostic assessments, first set of hearing aids, and communication and family supports.
If your baby’s hearing was not screened in the hospital after birth, contact your public health authority for information on local public health audiology clinics.
Children
Preschool and school-aged children receive services at public health audiology clinics. Some services may not be available at a public health clinic (e.g., auditory processing assessment & treatment), but may be available at a private clinic.
Anyone can refer a child with a parent or guardian’s permission (e.g., parent, SLP, nurse, doctor).Contact your public health authority for information on local public health audiology clinics.
Adults (19+)
Adult hearing services are typically offered through private audiology clinics and are not covered by BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP). Some adults may qualify for free care at public health audiology clinics.
You can self-refer to either option. Private audiologists are listed on Speech and Hearing BC’s directory. Adults who require 24-hour care or live in care facilities may also be eligible for public health services—contact your local health authority for details.
Did you know that Speech and Hearing BC is a registered charity?
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