Expanding Coverage for Mental Health Care with HB1085

We organized for more almost two years to pass HB1085, which will require private insurers to pay mental health and substance abuse providers at the same rates as physical health care providers. If you or a loved one has ever struggled to find a therapist that takes your insurance, this lack of parity is why: therapists were unable to make ends meet at the rates insurance companies paid for their work, forcing many dedicated providers to stop accepting insurance (or leave their field altogether). The People’s Lobby hosted town halls, community conversations, sent more than 400 people to Springfield, ran more than 100 legislator visits, and sent nearly 10,000 letters to legislators to win this campaign. We thank State Representative Lindsey LaPointe, Senate President Don Harmon, State Senator Karina Villa, and Heather O’Donnell for their leadership in passing this legislation. Passing HB1085 is a huge step forward for patients, for the therapists who will finally earn a living wage for their vital work, and for all the member leaders who won this bill with strategy, skill, and sheer relentlessness!