Opinion: Jake's Law won't solve every problem with Arizona's mental health-care system. But the wide-ranging bill makes some critical, positive steps.

Gov. Doug Ducey (center) signs Jake's Law at the state Capitol on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. The wide-ranging mental health bill passed unanimously in the House and Senate.(Photo: Gov. Doug Ducey's Office)

Receiving mental health care in Arizona is like pulling teeth.

Actually, scratch that. It can be a lot harder than pulling teeth, because insurance companies dont put nearly as many restrictions on that kind of care.

Thats why Jakes Law is so consequential.

The wide-ranging measure named after Jacob Machovksy, who died by suicide at 15 aims to remove some of the insurance limits on mental health care and, with any luck, help reduce the rising suicide rate that is taking far too many Arizonans.

Senate Bill 1523 passed unanimously in the House and Senate and was quickly signed by Gov. Doug Ducey, who had previously made suicide preventiona priority in his State of the State address.

Federal law has long required insurance coverage to be no more restrictive for depression, anxiety and addiction than for other illnesses. But insurers often put up barriers by adding pre-authorization, medical necessity and in-network requirements, which can delay care or cut it off prematurely.

Thats what happened to Machovsky, who was discharged from a hospital before doctors thought he was ready. His parents couldnt afford to keep him in without insurance coverage.

He died a few months later.

The bill boosts state enforcement of federal law by forcing insurers to regularly report how they are complyingand makingit easier for patients to file complaints.

It requires improved discharge protocols for patients who are admitted for a suicide attempt or ideation, to ensure they get the referrals and risk assessments they need.

And it creates a team that can study suicide deaths with more speed and depth, so more detailed strategies can be put in place to prevent them.

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As importantly, Jakes Law makes it easier for students to get mental health care within schools.

It prohibits insurers from denying coverage solely because services were provided ata school. And it establishes a fund, so students whose parents cant afford their insurances deductibles or copays can more easilyget services at school.

Lawmakers agreed to pump $8 million into the fund this year.

All of this is important, because half of those with mental illnesses begin exhibiting symptoms by age 14. Most go years before receiving any treatment.

Improving early intervention can help students cope, reducing the risk of them acting out when illnesses go untreated. Which, in turn, can improve school safety, reduce the dropout rate and help avoid problems later in life, such as incarceration.

SB 1523 recognizes thatschools play a critical role in helping identify at-risk students and connecting them with the help they need during the school day even if they dont provide every servicein-house.

Critically, the legislationrequires the Department of Education to study the adequacy of behavioral services offered in schools. That will undoubtedly highlight the chronic lack of school counselors a related problem that the state also must tackle.

But dont let that diminish the significance of what lawmakers have done. They have sent the message unanimously that mental health care matters. And that schools play an important role in coordinating this care, especially for children.

The states mental-health system still faces monumental challenges to providing consistent, quality care. Jakes Law doesnt solve all of them.

But it is a meaningful step toward breaking the stigmas that keep many from getting this care.

Mental health is not something to ignore. Thats a messagewe all need to hear.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK, or text 741-741 to connect with a crisis counselor in your area.

Reach Allhands at joanna.allhands@arizonarepublic.com. On Twitter: @joannaallhands.

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Every lawmaker in Arizona just voted for better mental health care. That's a big deal - AZCentral