Governor Signs Sen. Fine Measure To Ensure Mental Health Coverage

Press release from ILGA:

Aug. 27, 2021

To better support Illinois residents, a law sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) will significantly increase access to medically necessary health care, giving people with mental health and substance use disorders the ability to access treatment sooner, get back on their feet and move forward with the support they need.

“Insurance companies should provide coverage for mental health treatment along the same guidelines as other types of medically necessary treatment,” Senator Fine said. “Breaking down barriers for those seeking mental health treatment by expanding insurance coverage is essential.”

Many patients seeking care for mental health conditions have found that their insurance companies refuse to cover their treatment because it has been deemed medically unnecessary according to a set of private and often complicated guidelines put in place by the insurer.

Senator Fine’s measure will require insurance carriers to consider mental health treatment medically necessary, in the same manner as substance use disorder treatment, to ensure individuals are not denied access to care. As many patients with substance use disorders also suffer from mental health conditions, this initiative will provide better transparency and consistency for those seeking both types of treatment.

House Bill 2595 was signed into law Wednesday and will take effect Jan. 1, 2022.

This press release was produced by ILGA. The views expressed here are the author's own.