SPRINGFIELD – To further increase access to mental health treatment, State Senator Laura Fine passed a law extending the existing prior authorization ban to cover medically necessary outpatient mental health services.

“Mental health care needs are equivalent to physical health care needs,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This law breaks down barriers to access so patients can receive the help they need in a timely manner.”

Last year, the Healthcare Protection Act was signed into law, making health care more accessible and affordable for Illinoisans. The law banned step therapy requirements, prohibited prior authorization for inpatient mental health care at hospitals, banned junk insurance plans, and ended unchecked rate increases for large group insurance companies.

Building on this effort, House Bill 3019 extends the prior authorization ban on inpatient mental health care to outpatient services and partial mental health treatment hospitalizations covered by state-regulated insurance, private insurance plans and Medicaid. The new law also requires insurers to report how they are spending dollars from insurance premiums to the Department of Insurance in order to ensure consumers’ premium dollars are being properly spent. Additionally, regulated commercial insurers must reimburse individuals for travel costs associated with attending behavioral health appointments when the distance traveled exceeds the network adequacy requirements.

“This new law is another step towards increasing access to mental health care,” said Fine. “Eliminating outpatient prior authorization requirements for behavioral health treatment and ensuring patients can afford to travel to their appointments are essential in order to expand availability.”

House Bill 3019 was signed into law on Tuesday and is effective Jan. 1, 2026.