Gill Plan to Secure Marriage and Couple’s Counseling for First Responders Signed into Law

CHICAGO – A proposal recently signed into law from state Rep. Mary Gill, D-Chicago, will ensure that health insurance plans for police and firefighters include coverage for marriage and couple’s counseling.

“Our first responders and their families experience significant stress every day due to the unique nature of their work,” Gill said. “It’s critical that they are able to access a support network that promotes their wellbeing and is beneficial for their health long term. This measure will help more first responders receive that support.”

Previously, insurance plans were not required to cover marriage or couple’s counseling as they are not considered a diagnosable mental health condition. While some insurance plans may have offered coverage as an additional benefit, Gill’s House Bill 4460 will uniformly require the benefit. The new law impacts 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, as it also includes partners who reside with the first responder.

House Bill 4460 passed the House with bipartisan support, and was signed into law Friday. The measure takes full effect Jan. 1, 2025.

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