San Antonio, TX – March 7, 2025
Today, Celebrate Dyslexia announced the release of a new white paper, developed in partnership with Manatt, titled Policy Approaches to Improving Coverage of Dyslexia Screening, Testing, and Treatment. The paper provides key insights and actionable policy recommendations to address significant gaps in the availability and accessibility of essential dyslexia services, including screening, testing, and treatment.
Dyslexia affects an estimated one in five individuals, yet many experience delays in diagnosis and intervention due to fragmented access to care, inconsistent insurance coverage, and limited public awareness. The white paper examines these challenges in depth, highlighting both the human and economic impact on individuals and families. It also analyzes current federal and state policies, including insurance coverage under public insurance programs, private insurance, and self-pay models.
In addition, the paper profiles recent legislative efforts aimed at improving coverage for dyslexia services, including New York Senate Bill S5481, which mandates insurance coverage for dyslexia screening and treatment. Building on this analysis, the white paper outlines five policy approaches that advocates and stakeholders can pursue to improve access to essential dyslexia services nationwide.
This paper was made possible through the work of Celebrate Dyslexia with the generous support of the Goldsbury Foundation.
The five recommended policy approaches include:
- Increase Public Awareness
Educate communities and policymakers about the prevalence and impact of dyslexia, with an emphasis on the benefits of early identification and intervention. Increased awareness can significantly reduce long-term academic, social, and emotional challenges. - Update Diagnosis Codes
Modernize ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes related to dyslexia to better reflect current scientific understanding, enabling more accurate diagnosis, reporting, and access to appropriate treatment. - Push for USPSTF Recommendations
Advocate for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) to evaluate evidence and develop recommendations for early dyslexia screening as part of routine primary care visits for young children. Early detection is critical to improving outcomes. - Seek CMS Clarification
Engage with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to clarify guidance on Medicaid coverage for dyslexia services, particularly under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit, to ensure low-income children receive needed services. - Advocate for State Coverage Mandates
Advance state-level advocacy efforts to expand insurance coverage for dyslexia screening, diagnosis, and treatment, helping ensure access regardless of insurance type.
“Access to dyslexia screening, testing, and treatment is essential for the well-being and success of millions of individuals,” said Jasmin Dean, Chief Executive Officer of Celebrate Dyslexia. “This white paper provides a clear roadmap for improving insurance coverage, reducing disparities, and ensuring that every individual with dyslexia has the opportunity to thrive.”
Celebrate Dyslexia invites policymakers, advocates, healthcare providers, and community members to read the white paper and join collaborative efforts to improve access to dyslexia services. By increasing awareness, modernizing diagnostic frameworks, and advancing thoughtful policy change, we can build a more inclusive system that supports individuals with dyslexia at every stage of life.
For media inquiries, contact: Eliana Mijangos-Brown @ 210-643-8507, eliana@gemstrategy.com.
ABOUT US
Celebrate Dyslexia is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit uniting educators, healthcare professionals, communities, and families around a shared vision to reimagine what’s possible for dyslexic learners. Founded in 2019, we bridge the worlds of education, healthcare, and policy – a rare and powerful combination that ensures dyslexic individuals are supported not just in school, but across every system that touches their lives. From classroom conversations to statewide policy discussions, Celebrate Dyslexia advances this vision with hope, advocacy, and action.
