Illinois Awards New Medicaid Managed Care Contracts to Improve HealthChoice Program

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has awarded new HealthChoice Illinois managed care contracts to six health insurance organizations in a move officials say will improve care coordination, accountability and access for Medicaid customers. The contracts were awarded June 8 to Aetna Better Health of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Humana Benefit Plan of Illinois, Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Molina Healthcare of Illinois and CountyCare Health Plan for Cook County. State officials said the new agreements will require stronger integration of physical and behavioral health care, expanded access to services, improved provider training and greater focus on health related social needs. HFS Director Elizabeth M. Whitehorn said the contracts reflect a commitment to better outcomes, stronger oversight and improved customer experience across the program. The HealthChoice Illinois program serves about 2.4 million people and represents the majority of the state’s Medicaid population, with the new contracts running 4.5 years with an option to extend for 5.5 more years.