Meridian of Illinois

Today we recognize World Mental Health Day—and more than 5,700 behavioral health and substance use providers in our network whose work saves and changes lives. All providers can be champions for mental health. Meridian offers virtual training opportunities, delivered live by expert instructors, on the field’s most current behavioral health topics to all providers participating in our network—at no cost. Many courses are eligible for continuing education credits. Review the upcoming schedule here and register: https://bit.ly/4eFq2mh

Sista Strut is annual 3K walk that raises awareness about the challenges women of color face with breast cancer. We were grateful to take part in such a meaningful day last Saturday. And to show love to survivors and everyone impacted by breast cancer. We promoted the importance of early detection. We partnered with Roseland Community Hospital to offer onsite mammograms and schedule future appointments too.

“90% of men and 80% of women will get an HPV infection,” says Dr. Rutu Ezhuthachan, Meridian's Chief Medical Officer, as she discusses the HPV virus, how the HPV vaccine protects against cancers, who should get the vaccine, and when, in our Fast Facts for Better Health video: https://bit.ly/3ZORx8g

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we pause to celebrate the contributions of Meridian providers, staff, and vendors—as well as our employees—who identify as Hispanic and Latino Americans. Diversity makes our health plan stronger, and you enrich the healthcare experience for our Hispanic and Latino members in so many ways. Your commitment to making care culturally responsive is how we’re able to transform the health of the communities we serve, one person at a time.

Last month, we joined nearly 400 I/DD and behavioral health providers for three days at the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities’ (IARF) Educational Conference & Expo in Bloomington-Normal. It was a full schedule of educational sessions, new product and solution demos, and most importantly – an opportunity for meaningful conversations with attendees who work with Meridian members. We were proud to sponsor this event and look forward to seeing you all again next year!

Congratulations to Cristal Gary, our Plan President and CEO. Today Crain's Chicago Business announced Cristal is one of 100+ C-suite executives and investors on its prestigious list of 2024 Notable Black Leaders. Thank you to Crain’s for recognizing Cristal’s ongoing contributions to health equity and commitment to the members Meridian serves throughout Illinois. See the list: https://bit.ly/4dhCozm

Providers, our 2024 Provider Satisfaction Survey is hitting mailboxes now. 📬Check the mail for your survey. 🧠 Thoughtfully complete your survey and mail it back. 🏆 Be entered into a drawing for a new iPad! Survey results are the foundation of our health plan’s annual improvement initiatives. Feedback last year led to structural changes within our Provider Engagement team to enable more personalized support, Provider Services call center training enhancements, and the launch of our Meet & Greet events. Providers who mail back their survey by October 31 will be entered into a random drawing to win one of five Apple iPads.

We are thrilled to share that the Bud Billiken Parade awarded us Best Parade Presence for their 95th annual parade and festival! They said, “Meridian showed up and showed OUT at the 95th Bud Billiken Parade. Their vibrant presence lit up the streets of Chicago, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who joined the celebration.” Thank you to everyone on our team who helped! From coordinating the events to creating an eye-catching float. We’re already looking forward to next year.

As the U.S. experiences its largest wave of COVID-19 cases since January, staying informed and protected remains crucial. The recently approved vaccine formulation is a monovalent JN.1 lineage selected to closely resemble the now-dominant KP.2 variant fueling the rise in cases. Read our Pharmacy team’s update on the 2024-2025 vaccine recommendations for COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV.

Providers: Stay connected to Medicaid! Similar to member redetermination, the Medicaid provider revalidation process is getting back on track following the expiration of the COVID-19 PHE. Starting in September and continuing throughout 2025, Illinois providers will begin receiving email notifications when their 90-day revalidation cycle opens. Failure to revalidate by the due date will terminate providers from Medicaid and claims will not be paid retroactively. Learn about actions you should take now to prepare for your revalidation cycle: https://bit.ly/3ZuV4sx