Governor Pritzker mandated Telehealth coverage with his recent executive order, but there are crucial loopholes that prevent a high number of patients from receiving psychotherapy from their long term therapists. This order must be expanded to all plans, regardless of pre-existing Telehealth coverage within the plan.  Furthermore the order needs to expand to require out of network coverage as well.

Many patients and providers are being faced with the difficult choice of out of pocket payment, reduced sessions or termination of treatment during a time when help is need now more than ever.

We are all acutely aware of the medical and economic crises that this COVID-19 pandemic has created, but it is important that we not turn a blind eye to the mental health crisis coming in its wake. Domestic violence, child and elder abuse, and suicide are very real potential side effects of social distancing. Grief counseling is also highly needed as death rates and the inability to properly grieve by way of funerals becomes a reality.

Please act today to mandate insurance companies to pay for Telehealth coverage in the exact same way that they cover in-office sessions no matter what.