Illinois State Senator Laura Fine issued the following announcement on April 11.
Patients will have improved access to mental health care under a bill sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview).
“In Illinois, 2.5 million people have a mental health condition,” Fine said. “Unfortunately, only about a third of these patients receive treatment. This legislation will improve care for people who otherwise may not have access to a psychiatrist.”
Senate Bill 2085, mandates insurance providers include a Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) in their coverage. A creates a team approach consisting of a primary care doctor, a care manager such as a nurse or social worker, and a psychiatric consultant. This approach treats common mental health issues such as depression and anxiety that often require frequent and systematic follow-ups.
The bill was approved by the Senate with unanimous bipartisan support and now heads to the House of Representatives.
Original source can be found here.