SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois House could vote on a bill this month to increase access to behavioral healthcare by requiring insurance companies to expand coverage.

Insurers currently shift the cost for mental health crisis services onto Medicaid and taxpayers, resulting in avoidable emergency room visits, hospitalizations, or involvement with the criminal justice system. Although some lawmakers believe Illinois should adopt an annual fee on health insurance companies to help sustain critical services.

Sponsors said that money would go directly into the state’s 988 trust fund.

"Private insurers pay for ambulances, right? They pay for ER visits," said Rep. Lindsey LaPointe (D-Chicago). "So, with this surcharge, we are asking them to chip in to the 988 mobile crisis and crisis stabilization units because mental healthcare is healthcare."

LaPointe said this plan could generate funding without raising taxes and reduce pressure on the state budget. Massachusetts enacted similar legislation charging insurance companies $33.7 million annually to fund mental health crisis care.

"This is about access, dignity and making sure that when someone needs care, they can get it without delay and financial hardship," said Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago).

This plan passed out of the Human Services Committee last month on an 8-4 vote. House Bill 4785 now awaits action on the House floor before the deadline to pass bills on third reading April 17.

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