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SB 3335

PUBLIC AID-TELEHEALTH SERVICES

104th Regular Session Introduced by Sara Feigenholtz

Medicaid must cover intensive outpatient behavioral health services delivered via telehealth on par with in-person care, including coverage, reimbursement, and standards.

Rule 2-10 Committee/3rd Reading Deadline Established As May 22, 2026
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Bill Summary · SB 3335

Summary: SB 3335 (104th Illinois General Assembly)

Title

Public Aid – Telehealth Services

Primary purpose

SB 3335 seeks to expand access to intensive outpatient behavioral health services by authorizing the use of telehealth to deliver these services under Illinois’ Medical Assistance program (Medicaid). The bill aims to ensure that intensive outpatient (IOP) care delivered via telehealth is covered, medically appropriate, and subject to the same standards and reimbursement rules as in-person IOP services, thereby improving access for individuals who need structured behavioral health treatment.

Key provisions

  • Coverage expansion (telehealth for IOP): The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) must provide Medicaid coverage for intensive outpatient services delivered via telehealth, provided the services would be covered if provided in person, are medically necessary, are delivered by an eligible provider enrolled in Medicaid, and comply with applicable telehealth requirements.

  • Parity with in-person services: Telehealth-delivered IOPs must be covered under the same terms as in-person IOPs, including coverage requirements, utilization management, and reimbursement methodologies, in line with existing telehealth coverage rules (Section 5-5.25 and related Department rules).

  • Definitions and scope:

    • “Intensive outpatient services” are defined as a structured behavioral health treatment delivered at least 3 times per week for 9 hours or more, more intensive than standard outpatient but less than partial hospitalization, using an individualized treatment plan.
    • “Telehealth” is defined as real-time, interactive communication (including synchronous audio and video) between patient and provider.

  • Standards and safeguards: Telehealth IOPs must:

    • Meet the same standards of care as in-person services.
    • Obtain informed consent for telehealth, per Department rules.
    • Ensure compliance with privacy and confidentiality laws (State and federal).
    • Include emergency response protocols, continuity of care plans, and referrals to in-person services when clinically appropriate.
    • Not require any in-person elements or services beyond the telehealth delivery.

  • Regulatory authority and implementation:

    • The Department may adopt rules to implement the section, including clinical eligibility, documentation, quality assurance, and program integrity.
    • Federal approval may be required for implementation.

  • Effective date: The act takes effect immediately upon becoming law, subject to any necessary federal approvals.

Who is affected

  • Medicaid enrollees in Illinois who require intensive outpatient behavioral health services and prefer or rely on telehealth delivery.
  • Behavioral health providers enrolled in Illinois’ Medicaid program who deliver IOP services; providers must be licensed, certified, or authorized under State law and operate within the scope of their credentialing.
  • Administrative/managed care entities administering Medicaid telehealth standards, utilization management, and reimbursement for IOP services.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • The bill was introduced on February 4, 2026, and follows the typical legislative path (assignment to committees, potential rulemaking, and potential federal approval).
  • If enacted, implementation would hinge on adherence to existing telehealth policy, rulemaking by the Department, and any required federal authorization.

Potential impact

  • Improved access to medically necessary behavioral health care for Medicaid beneficiaries through telehealth.
  • Greater parity between telehealth and in-person IOP services in terms of coverage, reimbursement, and care standards.
  • Enhanced care continuity and emergency safeguards for individuals receiving IOP services remotely.

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

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