Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Expand Mental Health Coverage for Veterans

LITCHFIELD – July 8, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law to expand mental health service coverage for Veterans in Illinois. The new law exempts Illinois’ Veterans from being charged for services that are not covered by their insurance plans and are received at state mental health facilities.

“We must work together to service the brave men and women who defend our freedom overseas and come home with wounds we often cannot see,” said Governor Quinn. “This new law will help our Veterans get the services they need when facing mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.”

Under House Bill 6103, any Veteran who receives services from a state mental health facility will not be charged for services not covered by their existing insurance plan.

“I salute the leadership of Governor Quinn and the General Assembly for working to expand access to quality, affordable mental health services for Veterans in Illinois,” said Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Dan Grant.

Servicemembers returning from conflicts overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan who have been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder are eligible for mental health services through the state and federal governments. Please visit Veterans.Illinois.gov for more information.

House Bill 6103 was sponsored by Rep. Karen May (D-Highland Park) and Sen. Deanna Demuzio (D-Carlinville) and passed the Illinois General Assembly unanimously. It takes effect immediately.