IL SB1603

Health insurers, managed care plans, and Medicaid programs are 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 service" is defined as any service, including preventive services, intended to treat mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders across an individual's entire lifespan

The Department of Insurance and Department of Healthcare and Family Services must establish complaint processes for providers and covered individuals to report violations, with requirements to timely review and investigate all complaints

Enforcement authorities may issue cease and desist orders and impose administrative fines up to $250,000 for failure to comply with requirements or repeated violations

The mandate applies broadly across state employee health benefits, municipal employee insurance, school district employee coverage, private insurance plans, HMOs, and fee-for-service and managed care Medicaid programs