Governor Pritzker Signs Legislation Requiring Insurance Coverage of Mental Health Prevention Visits
We are thrilled that Governor Pritzker signed The Mental Health and Wellness Act (HB2847) on Friday. The legislation requires most private insurance plans in Illinois to cover an annual mental health and wellness visit to a mental health professional at no cost to the insured, beginning in 2025. Rep. Lindsey LaPointe and Sen. Laura Fine championed the bill in the General Assembly.
This Act puts mental health on par with other medical conditions by allowing insurance coverage of prevention visits. “It can take 10 years on average for someone with a serious mental health need to find the right treatment. The Mental Health and Wellness Act will enable earlier identification and treatment for a mental health issue rather than waiting for debilitating symptoms to occur before therapy or other treatment is covered,” says Heather O’Donnell, Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Advocacy at Thresholds.
Illinois is one of a handful of states that have passed similar laws. Thresholds applauds the General Assembly and the Governor for advancing this important legislation to improve mental health parity and access to prompt treatment. We are proud to be a part of a vocal, passionate community of advocates pressing for improvements to mental health and substance use treatments throughout state.
Media Contact: Emily Moen, VP of PR & Marketing, 773-572-5172