IL HB1448

Health insurers in Illinois would be prohibited from imposing prior authorization or utilization management controls on covered behavioral health services for policies amended, delivered, issued, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026

Behavioral health services are defined as any service, including preventive services, intended to treat mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders across an individual's entire lifespan

The prohibition applies to group and individual health insurance policies, managed care plans, state employee health benefits, municipal employee insurance, school employee insurance, and Medicaid fee-for-service and managed care programs

The Department of Insurance and Department of Healthcare and Family Services must establish complaint processes for providers and covered individuals, and may issue cease and desist orders and administrative fines up to $250,000 for violations

Provisions amending the Prior Authorization Reform Act requiring the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to adopt rules consistent with the Act take effect immediately upon becoming law