Villa Sponsors Measure to Expand Access to Mental Health Care in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, is fighting to improve access to mental and behavioral health care in Illinois.

“As a social worker, I understand the necessity for access to affordable mental health services, so I am fighting to improve the current system in Illinois, which will benefit both patients and service providers in our community,” said Villa.  “This legislation would increase access to mental and behavioral health care services to low-income families that rely upon Medicaid.  Individuals that need services for their wellbeing should not have to worry about their ability to pay.”

Villa is co-sponsoring the Mental Health Modernization and Access Improvement Act, which would create incentives for mental health service providers that accept Medicaid to reform their payment systems, increasing access to mental health resources by making services more affordable to low-income families.

“Unfortunately, many Illinois families have little or no access to mental health services because services can be costly,” continued Villa.  “This legislation will not only expand access to critical mental health services, but will also incentivize local providers to continue providing essential care to community members that need it.”

For more information, contact Villa’s constituent services office at 630-326-9319 or StateRepKarinaVilla@gmail.com.