Large inequities exist in how health plans cover mental health care. Right now, many insurers do not pay for mental health care and addiction treatment services, despite the fact that federal law states that both should be accessible for all.

SB697, also known as Health is Health, amends the Illinois Insurance Code to ensure that all Medicaid MCOs and commercial insurer medical necessity determinations concerning mental health and substance use disorders are fully consistent with generally accepted standards of care. Specifically, the bill encourages Illinois to update our law to include clear definitions and standards regarding medical necessity, stating that we can treat mental health and substance use disorders “before stage four” advancement, thus saving lives, reducing homelessness, and decreasing costs to the state, communities, and taxpayers.

To learn more about Health is Health, click here.

If you agree that the Illinois Insurance Code should be updated to better support mental health and addiction recovery, we encourage you to contact your state senator to express your support.