Thresholds Celebrates Passage of Historic Legislation Improving Mental Health Parity and Access
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Last night, in the final hours of the fall veto session, the Illinois General Assembly approved HB1085, landmark legislation spearheaded by Thresholds to strengthen mental health parity and improve access to care for people with private insurance coverage. The bill, which passed with strong bipartisan support, marks a historic sea change by addressing a root cause of providers leaving insurance networks — insufficient reimbursement rates. Sponsored by Representative Lindsey LaPointe and Senators Don Harmon and Karina Villa, the bill passed with strong bipartisan support in both chambers.
“Far too many Illinoisans cannot find a therapist or mental health provider covered by their insurance as a result of chronically low reimbursement rates and frustrating red tape that drives behavioral health professionals out-of-network,” said bill sponsor Representative LaPointe. “So many need mental health support across our life span — youth, first responders, and parents just to name a few. It is unacceptable that so many of us cannot use our insurance for both regular and specialty mental health care. HB1085 finally addresses this, getting us closer to treating mental health care on par with physical healthcare.”
By requiring that insurance companies mirror their processes for determining reimbursement rates for medical services when developing behavioral health reimbursement rates, the legislation doubles down on parity and lays the groundwork for improving access to care. The bill will ensure that providers are compensated more fairly and equitably, incentivizing them to come in-network. As a result, individuals with state-regulated health plans will no longer be forced to choose between paying high out-of-pocket costs for vital services or foregoing care.
“Thresholds is deeply committed to dismantling barriers to behavioral health care access. We are proud to have led the charge on this critical legislation in partnership with a broad coalition of providers and advocates to ensure that Illinoisans can get the care they need,” said Mark Ishaug, Thresholds President and CEO.
If signed by the Governor, requirements outlined in the bill will apply to plans beginning January 1, 2027.
Contact:
Emily Moen, Chief Communications Officer
emily.moen@thresholds.org