This white paper explores opportunities to improve insurance coverage of dyslexia screening, testing and treatment services. It begins by defining dyslexia and outlining the fragmented patient journey across educational and self-pay services, highlighting the associated human and economic toll. Next, it assesses the current statutory and regulatory landscape regarding dyslexia coverage at both federal and state levels, including under public insurance, private insurance, and self-pay options. It also profiles recent efforts to adopt coverage mandates, including New York’s S5481. Finally, the white paper offers five actionable recommendations to improve coverage of essential dyslexia services and identify potential collaborators for future advocacy efforts.

To address resource gaps and improve access to dyslexia screening, testing, and treatment services (“dyslexia services”), advocates should collaborate with relevant stakeholders to:

• Increase Public Awareness. Educate communities and policymakers about the prevalence and impact of dyslexia, including the benefits of early diagnosis and intervention.
• Update Diagnosis Codes. Advocate for the modernization of ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes for dyslexia to align with current scientific understanding.
• Push for USPSTF Recommendations. Advocate for the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) to assess the evidence and develop recommendations for early childhood dyslexia screening during primary care visits.
• Seek CMS Clarification. Engage with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to clarify guidelines on Medicaid coverage for dyslexia services, including under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit.
• Advocate for State Coverage Mandates. Engage in targeted state advocacy to expand requirements for insurance coverage of dyslexia services.