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H 1128

An Act preserving access to treatment for patients with serious mental illnesses

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Connolly and 11 co-sponsors

H 1128 restricts insurance companies' ability to delay or deny mental health treatments for seriously ill patients, requiring faster approval processes for psychiatric care.

Accompanied a new draft, see H4892
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Bill Summary · H 1128

Legislative bill overview

H 1128 aims to protect patient access to mental health treatments by establishing requirements around insurance coverage decisions and prior authorization processes for individuals with serious mental illnesses. The bill addresses barriers that patients face when seeking approved psychiatric medications and therapies covered under their insurance plans.

Why is this important

Mental health treatment access directly affects patient outcomes, hospital utilization rates, and overall public health. Insurance companies' prior authorization requirements and coverage denials can delay or prevent necessary psychiatric care, potentially leading to crisis situations, hospitalizations, or worse outcomes for vulnerable populations with serious mental illnesses.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance industry costs: Insurers may argue that streamlined approval processes increase claims and premium costs, while advocates counter that preventive mental health treatment reduces expensive emergency care
  • Defining "serious mental illness": Disagreement may arise over which conditions qualify for protection and whether the definition is too broad or too narrow
  • Prior authorization elimination vs. medical necessity: Tension between patient access advocates who want streamlined approval and those who believe clinical review prevents unnecessary treatments and protects resources

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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