SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — State representatives passed a bill Monday night that could significantly improve access to mental health and substance use treatment.
Democrats and Republicans are championing a plan to set minimum reimbursement rates for providers to properly compensate them for their services. Rep. Lindsey LaPointe (D-Chicago) said this could encourage more behavioral healthcare specialists to join insurance networks.
"There's a cost to doing nothing," LaPointe stressed. "Our constituents and, in fact, many representatives and senators in this chamber, and reporters I've talked to about this bill, are baring the cost now by paying out-of-pocket $300 or $200 for their therapy sessions on top of their monthly premiums."
House Bill 1085 passed out of the House on a 72-33 vote. It now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
Identical legislation has already gained significant support in the Senate.Â
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