Sen. Tracy Pennycuick introduced legislation on May 22 to reduce delays for Pennsylvanians seeking access to mental health medications. The measure requires health insurers to follow a defined process that aims to ensure timely and meaningful treatment for individuals with mental illness.
Pennycuick said the legislation addresses ongoing concerns about delays in receiving pharmacological treatments for mental health by establishing clear procedures for insurers. “My legislation will address the serious concern of delaying access to mental health pharmacological treatments by creating a process to be followed by health insurers which eliminates delays and ensures meaningful access to care for those Pennsylvanians suffering from mental illness,” Pennycuick said.
In 2022, the General Assembly passed Act 146, which reformed prior authorization and step therapy processes within health insurance, improving transparency and standardizing definitions. The act also required insurers to provide electronic networks so prior authorization requests could be submitted and processed electronically.
Despite these changes, Pennycuick noted that patients still face delays or denials when trying to obtain necessary medications due to continued use of prior authorization and step therapy protocols—often referred to as “fail first” requirements—which can force patients onto less effective treatments before accessing those best suited for their needs. According to Pennycuick, “The delays in treatment caused by the ‘fail first’ protocols relied upon by insurers only worsen the suffering of the patient with the mental health illness, potentially jeopardizing the safety of both the patient and those around him or her.” She added that over 1.8 million adults in Pennsylvania live with a mental health condition, more than 440,000 of whom have been medically classified as having a serious mental illness.
Pennycuick has engaged in public service through her military career and roles on veteran boards, contributing support for veterans and law enforcement; she served 26 years in the U.S. Army—including active duty during Desert Shield/Desert Storm—and retired as a lieutenant colonel after holding several key positions; she resides in Harleysville with her husband (also an Army veteran), four grown children, and two grandchildren; she won election to the Pennsylvania Senate in 2022 after serving previously in the General Assembly; she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Missouri-Columbia; she began her military career as an Army combat medic before pursuing higher education—all according to the official website.
The proposed legislation highlights ongoing efforts within Pennsylvania’s legislature aimed at removing barriers faced by individuals needing prompt access to behavioral healthcare.
