Sappey legislation expanding behavioral healthcare access advances through House Insurance Committee
Rep. Christina Sappey July 1, 2026 | 12:47 PM
HARRISBURG, July 1 – This past week, legislation sponsored by state Rep. Christina Sappey (H.B. 2653) advanced through the House Insurance Committee.
House Bill 2653 would require insurers in the Commonwealth to accept any qualified behavioral healthcare provider into the insurer’s network, if the provider is willing to accept the insurer’s contract terms. The bill would create a more streamlined path for clinicians to join insurance networks, giving residents more timely and effective behavioral healthcare.
According to a recent study by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, patients were able to secure behavioral healthcare appointments just 14.9% of the time, and patients who did secure appointments faced wait times averaging over 32 days.
“Those of us in elected office hear regularly about the difficulty our citizens have finding a behavioral health therapist. I find this very troubling, particularly for our children and youth,” Sappey said.
“Receiving adequate mental healthcare can be of a critical nature, and our residents deserve to have more provider options available,” Sappey continued. “This legislation is a common-sense way to give the Commonwealth more in-network providers, reducing patient wait times and providing an easier path to care for those who are struggling. I appreciate my colleagues in the Insurance Committee for sticking up for mental health, and I urge the full House to act on this bill.”
House Bill 2653 now heads to the full House for consideration.