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Cityblock Health, a provider primarily serving the Medicaid population, and Meridian Health Plan of Illinois have announced they are partnering to serve urban and rural communities across 17 counties in the greater Springfield and St. Louis Metro East areas.
The partnership will bring community-based care to 10,000 Medicaid beneficiaries, according to Cityblock.
The companies will offer primary care, urgent care, behavioral health, social support, clinical pharmacy and care management through Meridian's provider network and Cityblock's existing services.
Cityblock members in Illinois currently have access to in-home urgent care and virtual care, according to the company's website.
Meridian is a managed care organization and a company of the Centene corporation. Centene is the country's largest managed Medicaid Managed Care Organization.
Meridian Health Plan and Meridian Health Services offer primary care, behavioral health, telehealth and more through their own providers such as MeridianMD and network-based care. Coverage generally supports medical and mental health needs.
Cityblock said this is its fourth partnership with a Centene regional plan and the first in Illinois. The companies also partner in New York, Ohio and Florida.
Cityblock has an estimated 15 locations in 10 states and the District of Columbia. It has been operating in Illinois since 2024. More than 3 million Illinois residents are enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP.
"Meridian is excited to add Cityblock to our expanding value-based care provider network. Their integrated and innovative model is among the few designed to address the complex needs of Medicaid populations – often at higher risk for poor health outcomes," said Cristal Gary, Meridian Plan president and CEO.
"Meridian is an innovative managed care plan with a longstanding history in Illinois, and we're honored to collaborate with their existing provider network to drive better outcomes and sustainable value for members and providers alike," said Mike Roaldi, Cityblock Health president. “With nearly one in four Illinois residents enrolled in Medicaid, there is a clear need to scale access to quality care for this complex population.”
Email the writer: SMorse@himss.org