The UAB Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery is excited to share a significant advocacy success that will greatly benefit individuals living with a total laryngectomy across Alabama.
Through a collaborative initiative involving the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Speech Pathology team, Social Work Services, and Atos Medical, Medicaid coverage for essential post‑laryngectomy supplies has been meaningfully improved.
This coordinated effort focused on addressing long‑standing gaps in supply access and reimbursement—issues that posed financial and practical challenges for many patients following laryngectomy surgery. Thanks to this partnership, Alabama Medicaid has expanded coverage for critical supplies used in daily communication and respiratory care.
These enhancements will:
- Increase access to essential equipment for long-term success after laryngectomy
- Reduce financial burden for patients and their families
- Support continuity of care by ensuring reliable availability of medically necessary supplies
This advocacy milestone reflects our department’s commitment to patient-centered care and underscores the impact we can achieve when healthcare providers, industry partners, and support services work together.