Blue Cross reverses mental health preapprovals

An Illinois health insurer is reversing its plan to require patients to get preapproval before they see mental health providers.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois' plan drew fire from psychologists and psychiatrists.

Under the plan, subscribers to some Blue Cross health plans would need prior approval for many mental health services. The Chicago Tribune first reported the insurer's decision to drop the plan.

Mental health professionals said the plan would violate a federal law that requires equity in how health plans treat medical and mental health services.

Illinois Department of Insurance Director Michael McRaith says the department is committed to the principle of mental health equity. He says the department will resolve any ambiguity in the law in favor of patients.