Expanding Coverage Through Legislative Advocacy

Why Legislative Advocacy Matters

Working with state and federal lawmakers is a powerful way to expand insurance coverage for audiology and speech-language pathology services. Before you begin, think about:

• Why this issue matters to patients, families, and providers.
• Whether lawmakers are likely to act.

Step 1: Identify Agents for Change

Connecting with your state speech-language-hearing association is the first step. Working with your state association, take the following steps to implement a successful advocacy campaign.

Begin by evaluating your state's readiness for this kind of advocacy.

• Has this issue been discussed in your state legislature before?
• Does this issue have support from your state’s governor or key legislators?
• Does your association have a paid lobbyist with experience and knowledge on the issue?
• Can your association reach members through a grassroots network?
• Is this issue a priority for your state right now?

Step 2: Develop a State Action Plan

As you develop an organized strategy, keep in mind a successful legislative campaign usually takes two to three years.

Identify individuals for the following roles:

• A campaign chair or coordinator
• A group of committed members

Develop a state action plan that combines legislative work, personal connections with decision-makers, and community action at the grassroots level. This action plan may include activities listed below.

Legislative and Regulatory Activities

• Understand your state’s legislative calendar and how the lawmaking process works.
• Find out who leads the committees or agencies that will review your bill.
• Identify which lawmakers are likely to support or oppose your proposal—and why.

Engagement With Key Decision-Makers

• Meet with the lawmakers and officials who can influence the outcome of your effort.
• Get to know their staff and aides, who often help shape policy decisions.
• Build relationships with supporters and with potential opponents. Keep communication open.
• Keep in mind that it may take multiple requests to get a meeting scheduled.

Once you’ve established a relationship with lawmakers and their staff, you may become a trusted voice they can turn to for testimony and input on health care policies.

Grassroots Activities

• Organize community members to speak up and get involved.
• Ask them to contact lawmakers through calls, emails, or visits.
• Plan letter-writing campaigns, give public testimony, attend key meetings, and share personal stories.
• Raise funds for your political action committee (PAC) if you have one and support elected officials who share your goals.

Step 3: Define Advocacy Roles

The state association, its members, and lobbyist(s) all play a role in any state advocacy effort. All parties should collaborate and work together.

• Create an advocacy committee with a strong coordinator or chair who can lead with focus, energy, and follow-through.

Step 4: Launch a Grassroots Campaign

Policymakers need to hear directly from their constituents who are affected by this issue. Build a network that’s ready to speak up:

• Encourage state association members to share their experiences.
• Create user-friendly fact sheets and talking points (one or two pages max).
• Prepare volunteers for visits with legislators—in person, virtually, or by phone.
• When appropriate, invite clients, parents, or care partners to speak from a personal perspective.

Step 5: Be Persistent

Change takes time, and advocacy doesn’t stop when the legislative session ends. Keep your campaign strong by:

• Setting clear goals and priorities.
• Choosing committed leaders.
• Keeping in touch with your supporters.
• Following up after meetings and hearings.
• Celebrating small wins along the way.

With patience, perseverance, and strong partnerships, you can create real, lasting change.

To find an SLP or audiologist near you, visit ProFind.