SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois could soon increase access to behavioral healthcare and substance use treatment by improving insurance adequacy. The mental health parity plan is heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk after three years of hard work by state lawmakers.

Democrats and Republicans have spent countless hours negotiating a plan to set minimum reimbursement rates for providers. Sponsors said proper compensation could encourage more behavioral healthcare specialists to join insurance networks.

"There's a cost to do nothing," said Rep. Lindsey LaPointe (D-Chicago). "Our constituents and, in fact, many representatives and senators in this chamber, and reporters I've talked to about this bill, are baring the cost now by paying out-of-pocket $300 or $200 for their therapy sessions

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