Avelar-Backed Legislation Expands Mental Health Treatment

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –  Continuing her efforts to make health care affordable and accessible for local families, state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, backed legislation recently signed into law to require insurance companies to cover  necessary mental health and substance treatment. 

“Making health care coverage accessible and affordable in Illinois also means covering critical mental health and substance abuse treatments,” Avelar said . “Taking proper care of your mental health is extremely important, and no one should have to worry about necessary treatment being denied by their insurance company.”

Avelar backed House Bill 2595 to require health insurance providers and Medicaid to cover medically necessary treatment for mental health care as well as substance use disorders. The law also strengthens patients’ rights to appeal denials of coverage by requiring insurers to make available criteria for and data on care certifications and denials. 

“Proper mental health care is as important to living a healthy life as physical health care,” Avelar continued. “This law puts patients over profits and ensures that health insurance companies can’t unfairly deny mental health treatment or care.”

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