Pappas Votes to Improve Mental Health Care in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A bill supported by state Rep. Diane Pappas, D-Itasca, would improve Illinois’ mental health care systems and modernize Medicaid payment plans.

“People fighting mental health problems deserve straightforward, modern health care,” Pappas said. “By making the process more efficient, we can increase access to mental health care and get people the help that they need.”

Pappas is co-sponsoring the Mental Health Modernization and Access Improvement Act, which would create incentives for Medicaid mental health service providers to reform their payment systems. House Bill 2486 also requires mental health centers to report on specific measures of quality and rewards providers that are performing well.

“The bill is not just about helping mental health patients, but also making sure that service providers, which are small businesses in our communities, are able to provide care,” said Pappas. “The help they deliver is crucial to our communities, and we need to provide them with incentives so they can continue to provide essential care to people suffering from mental health disorders.”