Springfield, IL (WAND) – State lawmakers could pass bills this spring to increase access to behavioral healthcare by requiring insurance companies to expand coverage. Sponsors told reporters in Chicago Monday that there is still too much red tape blocking providers from giving the best care to patients.

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

The money would go directly to the state’s 9-8-8 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 9-8-8 mobile crisis and crisis stabilization units because mental healthcare is healthcare.”

Sponsors 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 without financial hardship,” said Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago).

Another measure could require insurance companies to cover the diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders. The bill would also ban prior authorization for outpatient substance use treatment.

“We have more to do to relieve the administrative burden, and we have more to do to connect people with continuing care when they come out of a crisis or when they come out of a hospital,” LaPointe said.

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