(Springfield, IL) – The state budget approved by Illinois lawmakers last week included important behavioral health funding increases, according to one of Illinois’ top advocacy groups.
The Illinois General Assembly approved legislation, SB1298, that increased Illinois Medicaid rates for a range of mental health services delivered by community mental health providers, an increase that totaled approximately $30 million. Mobile crisis response, crisis intervention, integrative assessment and treatment planning, among other services, will see a financial boost from the state.
“The Community Behavioral Healthcare Association would like to thank the Pritzker Administration, State Senators Elgie Sims, Laura Fine, Sara Feigenholtz, House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel, and State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe for prioritizing investments in expanding access to essential mental health and substance use services for children, adults, and families,” said Community Behavioral Healthcare Association CEO Blanca Campos.
“The increased funding will help prevent suicide, offer support to those in crisis, and help thousands of other individuals to return to work and enable them to care for their families as productive members of their communities,” Campos added.
In addition to mental health Medicaid rate increases, residential and inpatient substance use disorder treatment services will receive a 30 percent rate boost. The rate increases are slated to begin on January 1, 2024, subject to federal government approval.
bcampos@cbha.net
CBHA News 