Keep Telehealth Covered!
By Amy Stewart, LMFT, CST
So, as far as this pandemic goes in Chicago, it looks like things are finally starting to take a turn toward the better. We’re already beginning to see the first glimmers of a “normal” summer in the city, which comes as much needed relief after a year plus of hunkering down to keep ourselves and others safe. Though most of the changes headed our way now are shifting toward opening up access, to vaccines, restaurants, travel and other humans, one thing we are in jeopardy of losing is access to insurance coverage for telehealth.
Needless to say, the impact of Covid-19 has been utterly unprecedented in so many ways and one of those has been access to mental health care. Over the past 14 months we have been able to virtually connect with clients who typically have been unable to access care, due to a myriad of reasons, including geography, scheduling and conflicts around childcare. Telehealth has also managed to keep therapists and clients safe and consistent in scheduling. I’ve never seen clients more consistently than over the past year.
We are so looking forward to seeing folks in person again, while also recognizing that for many seeking mental health care, this simply might not be possible. Telehealth has provided an opportunity to care for emotional well-being and relationships that may be impossible to access if insurance coverage for telehealth benefits in Illinois is revoked.
On Wednesday, May 19th the Illinois General Assembly has a hearing on House Bill 3498, which “provides that health insurance issuers shall cover all telehealth services rendered by a health care professional to deliver any clinically appropriate, medically necessary covered services.”
Please consider completing a witness slip to show your support for continuing coverage.
Illinois General Assembly Witness Slip
How to fill out a witness slip:
Section I, please enter your contact information. If you are submitting the witness slip in your personal capacity and not on behalf of an organization, you may enter "citizen" or "self" in this field.
Section II, list the organization you are empowered to represent. If you are submitting the witness slip in your personal capacity and not on behalf of an organization, you may enter "citizen" or "self" in this field.
Section III, click "Proponent"
Section IV, click "Record of Appearance Only"
And you’re done! It takes just a few minutes from your phone and could make a world of difference.
If you have any questions, the ACLU has a great FAQ on witness slips here.