Gordon-Booth Backs Proposal to Secure Marriage and Couple’s Counseling for First Responders

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Understanding the unique stresses first responders and their families encounter, state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, supported a plan Tuesday that would require health insurance plans for police and firefighters include coverage for marriage and couple’s counseling.

“The realities of a first responder job – from the irregular hours to the real safety risks that come with the role – can and do create strain at home with families,” Gordon-Booth said. “Expanding access to counseling can be incredibly beneficial for our first responders and their families, and I want to make sure they receive the support they deserve.”

Presently, insurance plans are not required to cover marriage or couple’s counseling because they are not considered a diagnosable mental health condition. While some insurance plans may offer coverage as an additional benefit, the Gordon-Booth-backed House Bill 4460 would uniformly require the benefit. The proposal would impact every level of police, including Illinois State Police, sheriff’s departments and municipal departments, as well as paramedics employed by a fire department. The measure is not limited to married couples, it would also include partners who reside with the first responder.

House Bill 4460 passed the House with bipartisan support and is expected to head to the Senate for consideration.

“The mental toll of a first responder career impacts people whether they are on the clock or not,” Gordon-Booth said. “It’s important that we continue to responsibly strengthen access to mental health resources that will help families and communities.”

For more information, please contact RepJGordon@gmail.com.