How to Get an AAC Device: 5 Paths, from Fastest to Free

How to Get an AAC Device

There are five main ways to get an AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) device: buy one directly, go through health insurance, request one through a school IEP, get one through the VA, or apply to a loan or grant program. The right path depends on how quickly you need it and who is paying.

The biggest tradeoff is speed versus cost. Insurance can bring the out-of-pocket cost close to zero, but it often takes 4 to 12 weeks or longer. Buying directly costs more up front, but a person can be communicating within days.

Path 1: Buy a Speech Tablet Directly (Days)

This is the fastest route. No prescription, SLP evaluation, or insurance approval is required. You have two options:

• Buy an AAC app for a tablet you already own. TalkTablet PRO is $199.99 for Apple or Android. Proloquo2Go ($249.99), LAMP Words for Life ($299.99), and TouchChat HD ($150–$300) are Apple only.
• Buy a pre-configured speech tablet. These arrive ready to use with the tablet, AAC app, and protective case. Speech Tablets by Gus Communication Devices range from $499 (8.7" Samsung) to $999 (11" Apple with your choice of Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, or LAMP). Samsung models ship within 24 hours.

HSA and FSA funds can usually be used, and 0% financing for 12 months is available.

Path 2: Health Insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid (4–12+ Weeks)

Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurers cover dedicated speech-generating devices (SGDs) as Durable Medical Equipment when medical necessity is documented. The typical steps:

1. Get a referral and an AAC evaluation from a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP).
2. The SLP trials devices and writes a report documenting medical necessity.
3. A physician signs a prescription.
4. The device vendor submits the funding request to insurance.
5. Insurance approves, denies, or asks for more information. Approved devices are then shipped and set up.

Keep in mind that insurance generally will not pay for a general-use tablet with an AAC app, because it can run other apps. SLP evaluations also typically cost $150–$400 and are not always covered.

Path 3: Through the School (IEP)

Under IDEA, public school districts must provide AAC devices when they are written into a student's IEP as necessary for a free appropriate public education. To start:

• Request an AAC or assistive technology evaluation in writing from the school district.
• Ask that the results and device be addressed at the IEP meeting.
• Ask whether the device can go home with the student, so communication continues outside school.

Path 4: Veterans Affairs

Veterans can access speech-generating devices through the VA's Audiology and Speech Pathology service. Gus Communication Devices is a trusted VA supplier. Talk with your VA care team about a referral.

Path 5: Loan Libraries, Grants, and State AT Programs

Every U.S. state has an assistive technology program funded under the federal AT Act. Many offer short-term device loans so you can try before you buy, and some offer low-interest financing or reuse programs. Nonprofits and disease-specific organizations (for example, ALS and autism groups) sometimes offer grants toward AAC devices.

Which Path Should You Choose?

• Need to communicate this week: buy a pre-configured speech tablet or an AAC app.
• Have documented medical need and can wait a few months: pursue insurance for a dedicated SGD.
• School-age child: request an evaluation through the IEP process.
• Veteran: start with the VA.

Many families combine paths: they buy a speech tablet now and pursue insurance or school funding at the same time, so communication does not stop while the paperwork moves.

For pricing at every level, see How Much Does an AAC Device Cost? Full Price Breakdown. Questions? Lifetime US-based phone support is available at 360-303-3356.