In an effort to expand access to mental health care in Illinois, state Sen. Laura Fine (D-Glenview) has introduced multiple pieces of legislation proposing an increase in accessibility to mental health care.
Fine’s efforts include the Access to Basic Mental Health Information Act and an amendment to the Network Adequacy and Transparency Act. Both pieces of legislation passed the Illinois Senate and now sit in the Illinois House of Representatives.
Fine said she decided to focus the legislation on mental health care because struggles with mental wellness are often stigmatized, and care is not always easy to find.
“People shouldn’t be embarrassed to say they have a mental health issue,” Fine said. “These pieces of legislation say it’s okay to need help.”