If Medi-Cal doesn't cover speech therapy where I live, can Regional Center cover it?

If you can't find a speech therapist or other provider that accepts Medi-Cal in the area where you live, you may wonder whether Regional Center or the Self-Determination Program will cover your child's speech therapy.

According to Undivided's Public Benefits Specialist Lisa Concoff Kronbeck, Medi-Cal is responsible for paying for therapy that is covered by your health plan. If Medi-Cal does not have any in-network speech therapists in your area, then you can file a grievance with Medi-Cal and work on finding a provider that would contract with Medi-Cal.

In some instances, you may be able to see an out-of-network provider and be reimbursed at the in-network rate if you can prove that there are no in-network providers available.