Ortíz Votes to Expand Access to Counseling Resources for First Responder Families

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Aarón Ortíz, D-Chicago, passed on Tuesday an initiative to require health insurance plans for law enforcement and first responders to include coverage for marriage and couple’s counseling.

“Tense, high risk situations can put stress on anyone, but especially our first responders who put their lives on the line day in and day out,” Ortíz said. “These law enforcement personnel don’t always leave these stressful situations at the front door, with their spouses and partners sharing this burden. Our first responders are there for us in our worst hours. It’s time that we be there for them and extend to them the supportive counseling services 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, the Ortíz-backed 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.