Sen. Perillo Fights for Stronger Patient Protections and Mental Health Resources

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – State Senator Jason Perillo (R-Shelton) voted for S.B. 10, a major healthcare reform bill aimed at improving patient protections and access to care in Connecticut.

Senator Perillo emphasized that this legislation opens the door to increased mental health care at a fair and affordable price but does not compressively cover mental health services to the degree necessary. The coverage presented in this bill needs to be fortified to fully cover mental health patients and fight to decrease the rise of serious mental illnesses.

Sen. Perillo said, “We need to research mental health and substance abuse treatment to the highest degree possible. Those who suffer from these diseases deserve access to the best and most affordable care.”

S.B. 10 includes:

• Containment of certain excessive healthcare costs and strengthened regulatory oversight of insurer practices.
• Mandatory reporting from health carriers on mental health and substance use disorder treatment, with significant penalties for non-compliance.
• Expanded use of step therapy protocols for chronic illnesses like Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, allowing cost-effective yet clinically appropriate treatment paths.
• Prohibitions on arbitrary restrictions for essential services, including anesthesia and medically necessary care.

Senator Perillo’s advocacy reflects the growing importance of mental health and substance abuse treatment and the need for more investment and innovation in this critical area of public health.

“It is imperative we keep working on healthcare reforms by revisiting this issue and developing legislation that goes further than the bill,” said Sen. Perillo. “CT residents deserve the best care possible, and I will continue to support legislation that delivers the best possible treatment to those who need it.”