The Honorable Michael Madigan
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
300 Statehouse
Springfield, Illinois 62706

Re: House Bill 5925

Dear Speaker Madigan:

NAMI Illinois, a statewide organization of mental health advocates, family members, service providers and consumers, strongly urges you to defeat House Bill 5925, currently on Second Reading in the House, unless it is amended to insure that it does not repeal Illinois’ Mental Health Insurance Parity Law. As you know, two years ago Illinois finally passed a very modest step towards prohibiting insurance companies from discriminating against persons with mental illness, Public Act 92-185. This law, which would not have passed without your support, moved Illinois group health insurance policies towards providing the same coverage for mental illnesses that are provided for other medical conditions. Unfortunately, House Bill 5925 will repeal this modest step towards equal treatment. That is because it would permit health insurance to be sold without coverage for mental illnesses.

Mental health treatments are cost effective and important for millions of Illinois citizens. With prompt treatment, persons with mental illnesses can remain employed and continue to support their families.

While we oppose House Bill 5925, NAMI Illinois would support the bill if it were amended to insure that it does not repeal mental health insurance parity. We suggest that the following language be added to the bill:
Nothing in this Act shall be interpreted to permit an insurer to offer a group health insurance plan which does not provide coverage for mental and emotional disorders as set forth in Section 370c of the Illinois Insurance Code.

NAMI Illinois greatly appreciates your continuing support for mental health insurance parity. We stand ready to work with you on this important issue.

Sincerely,