YouthCare HealthChoice Illinois

Did you know that YouthCare provides free in-person and online trainings? The training uses state and national expertise to help providers and guardians care for foster children and teens. In addition, we offer a child welfare webinar series. These no-cost trainings are open to any in-network YouthCare provider, and are offered throughout the year on a variety of topics. View the current schedule and register for upcoming trainings: https://bit.ly/3XiIvyV For specific CE board approvals and information, refer to each training’s registration page.

Heather Souba, Youthcare’s Vice President of Population Health, recently spoke at the Kinship Families Resource Conference in Springfield. This conference was specifically for grandparents who are foster parents or guardians. Heather’s presentation provided insight into everything YouthCare offers for youth in foster care. Grandparents in attendance learned how to access healthcare for their foster youth, as well as connect with their foster child’s care coordinator. Every YouthCare member is assigned a care coordinator to help them navigate services and get individualized care.

Backpacks filled with school supplies were handed out to foster children at a series of back-to-school events earlier this month. Held in partnership with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, the events strove to ensure that every child is prepared for the new school year. Families with foster children were also invited to participate in activities such as face painting and raffles, and enjoy live music and free food! Children received free haircuts, dental exams, and health screenings, and were connected to community resources.

9 stops down. 2 to go. Join us in Marion or O’Fallon. We are wrapping up our statewide provider Meet & Greets with new dates for our Marion and O’Fallon events, which were rescheduled due to historic flooding. These in-person forums offer a chance for you to meet Meridian leaders, provide honest feedback, and share your ideas to make our health plan better. Providers in the Carbondale area: Register to join us in Marion on Tuesday, August 20, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. https://bit.ly/3WTnWHF Providers in the East St. Louis area: Register to join us in O’Fallon on Wednesday, August 21, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. https://bit.ly/46TAF1R

On Saturday, July 27, we participated in the 2024 Backpack Peoria Event at the Dream Center Peoria to help families to get ready for back to school. Free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, an on-site dental clinic, and medical exams were provided. We were proud to support this event alongside Peoria Public Schools and several other community organizations.

YouthCare members are eligible for a variety of benefits as part of their healthcare coverage. Children in grades 1 through 5 are eligible for one new school uniform (shirt, pants, and sweater) every school quarter. To qualify, youth must complete their annual health screening, including BMI measurement and any required vaccines, and annual well care exam with a YouthCare provider. As a YouthCare provider, please let any YouthCare members know about this school uniform benefit. Direct them to their care coordinator for further information and to sign up to receive a school uniform for the 2024-2025 school year.

YouthCare invites its foster parents and caregivers to participate in monthly group meetings hosted by ATTACh. As an international coalition dedicated to addressing trauma and attachment disorders in children and teens, ATTACh empowers caregivers and professionals to help youth heal. ATTACh offers a confidential, online support group for parents, caregivers, and families of children and young people living with attachment disorders, childhood traumas, developmental disorders, and mental health concerns. This month's parent support group is on August 28th. For more details and to view future dates: https://bit.ly/3Yt8sNe

Calling all providers near Champaign! Meridian is hosting an in-person Meet & Greet event, Tuesday, July 30 at the renowned 77 Club at Memorial Stadium. Collaborate with leaders from our Provider Relations, Network, Claims, Utilization Management, Pharmacy, Quality, and Care Management teams as we work together to serve you and your patients Register today! https://bit.ly/3SptMzb.

Earlier this month, Chicago Fire FC invited over 500 YouthCare members and their foster families to an evening of fun! They received goodies such as T-shirts and fanny packs,. Each member was given a voucher for their family to enjoy a free meal during the game too. Before the soccer game, members were able to play games to win prizes, take pictures with Chicago Fire props, and kick soccer balls with their family. After the game, everyone stayed to enjoy a firework show to celebrate the 4th of July. YouthCare thanks Chicago Fire for their partnership with Meridian, YouthCare's parent company, and for welcoming foster kids for a memorable night.

On Wednesday, July 17, YouthCare participated in the One Peoria Back to School & Health Fair. The event was hosted by State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth and State Senator Dave Koehler. YouthCare provided backpacks, school supplies, and school uniforms. In addition, every child in attendance had the opportunity to obtain a school or sports physical. YouthCare appreciates the support from representatives who believe in our mission to help foster children thrive.