Governor Signs Landmark Legislation Improving Behavioral Health Access for Illinoisans with Private Insurance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICAGO, Ill – Last Friday, Governor Pritzker signed House Bill 1085 (HB1085) into law, codifying key measures to strengthen access to behavioral health care for Illinoisans with state-regulated private insurance.
“Signing HB1085 into law is the last step in a years long journey to bolster existing parity legislation,” said Mark Ishaug, Thresholds President and CEO. “By ensuring equitable reimbursement for behavioral health services by state-regulated commercial insurance and tackling the underlying causes of poor network adequacy, Illinois is finally on track to meaningfully address the barriers to access treatment.”
Thresholds is thrilled to have spearheaded this critical legislation in partnership with the commitment of our legislative champions Senate President Don Harmon, Senator Karina Villa, and Representative Lindsey LaPointe. We would also like to recognize the incredible efforts of our former Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy Heather O’Donnell who led the charge in collaboration with her successor Amber Kirchhoff. Lastly, we would like to acknowledge the groundswell of support this initiative received from our partner mental health provider organizations, individual practitioners, and healthcare advocates including members of the Healthy Minds Healthy Lives Coalition.
One in 7 people struggle with a mental health condition each year. Sadly, in spite of paying their monthly premiums, many are still unable to access the care they need to fully engage in school, at work, and with their loved ones. HB1085 helps to fix this by improving reimbursement for behavioral health providers under private insurance plans, among other changes. As a result of this legislation, hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans will now have an easier time getting the care that they need to live well and thrive.
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About Thresholds
Founded in 1959, Thresholds provides healthcare, housing, and hope for thousands of persons with mental illnesses and substance use conditions in Illinois each year. Through care, employment, advocacy, and housing, Thresholds assists and inspires people with mental illnesses to reclaim their lives. Learn more about Thresholds at thresholds.org.
MEDIA CONTACT
Emily Moen
Chief Communications Officer Emily.Moen@thresholds.org