Illinois Bills Aim to Improve Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment

Proposed legislation would require insurers to expand coverage for crisis services and substance use disorder treatment.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Illinois General Assembly is considering bills that would mandate health insurance companies to increase their coverage for mental health crisis services and substance use disorder treatment. Supporters say the measures could reduce the burden on Medicaid and taxpayers by ensuring private insurers pay their fair share, while also improving access to critical behavioral healthcare.

Why it matters

Currently, insurance companies often shift the costs of mental health crisis care and substance use treatment onto Medicaid and taxpayers, leading to avoidable emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and involvement with the criminal justice system. The proposed legislation aims to address these gaps in coverage and access to care.

The details

One bill would require insurers to pay for mental health crisis services, including mobile crisis teams and stabilization units, by imposing an annual fee that would go to the state's 9-8-8 trust fund. Another measure would mandate coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders, and ban prior authorization for outpatient substance use treatment.

  • The Illinois General Assembly is expected to discuss the bills when they return to the Capitol next week.
  • Massachusetts enacted similar legislation in 2025, charging insurers $33.7 million annually to fund mental health crisis care.

The players

Rep. Lindsey LaPointe

A Democratic state representative from Chicago who is sponsoring the mental health crisis care bill.

Sen. Karina Villa

A Democratic state senator from West Chicago who is supporting the legislation.

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What they’re saying

“This is about access, dignity and making sure that when someone needs care, they can get it without delay and without financial hardship.”

— Sen. Karina Villa, State Senator (Capitol City Now)

“Private insurers pay for ambulances, right? They pay for ER visits. So, with this surcharge, we are asking them to chip in to the 9-8-8 mobile crisis and crisis stabilization units because mental healthcare is healthcare.”

— Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, State Representative (Capitol City Now)

What’s next

Lawmakers could discuss both bills when they return to the Capitol next week.

The takeaway

The proposed legislation aims to address gaps in insurance coverage for mental health crisis services and substance use disorder treatment, which have resulted in increased costs for Medicaid and taxpayers. If passed, the bills could improve access to critical behavioral healthcare and reduce the burden on the criminal justice and emergency medical systems.