Gill Advances Proposal to Secure Marriage and Couple’s Counseling for First Responders

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mary Gill, D-Chicago, passed a plan out of the House Tuesday that would require health insurance plans for police and firefighters to include coverage for marriage and couple’s counseling.

“This idea was brought to me by a constituent who owns a private therapy practice and works with first responders and their partners,” Gill said. “It’s clear to me that there is a real need to expand access because it’s incredibly beneficial for our officers, firefighters and families. They experience incredible stresses in their line of work, and it’s important we provide the support network they deserve.”

Currently, insurance plans are not required to cover marriage or couple’s counseling as they are not considered a diagnosable mental health condition. While some insurance plans may offer coverage as an additional benefit, Gill’s House Bill 4460 would uniformly require the benefit. The measure 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 proposal 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.

“This measure is a good step forward for mental health care for those who need it most,” Gill said. “I appreciate the bipartisan support we received, and look forward to working on its passage in the Senate.”

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