Cityblock Health and Meridian Health Plan Form New Partnership for Medicaid Services
In an exciting move towards better healthcare access, Cityblock Health and Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Inc. have announced a new partnership aimed at improving care for a target of 10,000 Medicaid beneficiaries. This alliance will focus on providing comprehensive community-based services in 17 counties throughout the regions of Springfield and St. Louis Metro East.
Meridian, recognized as a leading managed care organization in Illinois and part of Centene Corporation, provides vital managed care services to families, seniors, and individuals with complex medical needs. Cityblock Health, specializing in value-based healthcare, has been serving these communities since 2024 and focuses on supporting Medicaid and dually eligible beneficiaries. This new collaboration marks the fourth regional partnership between Centene and Cityblock, following successful ventures in New York, Ohio, and Florida.
The aim of this partnership is to create an integrated healthcare delivery system that enhances coordination of clinical services. By augmenting Meridian’s existing primary care offerings with Cityblock’s comprehensive support services, the collaboration promises to address the myriad challenges facing Medicaid members. These services are designed to tackle both the clinical and social determinants of health, thereby improving overall well-being.
Cityblock’s wrap-around care approach operates 24/7, ensuring that services such as primary and urgent care, behavioral health support, clinical pharmacy, and care management are readily available. This comprehensive model seeks to provide recipients of Medicaid with a seamless experience, bridging gaps in service delivery and enhancing health outcomes for those at higher risk.
Cristal Gary, Meridian's Plan President and CEO, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Cityblock into our value-based care provider network. Their innovative model is uniquely designed to cater to the complex healthcare needs associated with Medicaid populations, which often face significant barriers to achieving good health outcomes. Together, we are dedicated to providing whole-person care that promotes improved access, equity, and member outcomes."
Mike Roaldi, President of Cityblock Health, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of their collaboration with such a respected managed care organization. "Our goal is to enhance access to quality care for Illinois Medicaid recipients, as nearly one in four residents are enrolled in this program. Expansion into Illinois is a significant step forward in achieving this objective."
The partnership leverages multidisciplinary clinical expertise combined with innovative technology and data insights. This integration is expected to not only improve the quality of care delivered but also enhance the user experience for members, resulting in better engagement and retention rates. Cityblock has demonstrated success in reducing avoidable hospital readmissions and lowering the overall cost of care, marking a positive trajectory in healthcare management for vulnerable populations.
As part of Hemed's broader mission, this initiative will also focus on connecting members with the necessary resources to support lifelong health and wellness, reflecting a commitment to community health that resonates across both organizations.
For those seeking more information about Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, the organization’s website provides insight into their government-sponsored managed care programs. Cityblock Health, dedicated to addressing the challenges of at-risk populations, can be explored further at their online platform.
Ultimately, this partnership embodies a forward-thinking approach to healthcare by not only addressing the immediate clinical needs of Medicaid beneficiaries but also recognizing and responding to the social factors that influence health. It is an essential step towards fostering healthier communities throughout Illinois, serving as a beacon of hope for thousands of residents seeking better healthcare access.