Meridian Medicaid Termination

Updated December 13, 2024

Meridian Health Plan of Illinois has terminated its Medicaid insurance contract with Northwestern Medicine. The end date is December 31, 2024.

Beginning January 1, 2025, patients with this health plan will need to choose a new plan during open enrollment to continue getting care at Northwestern Medicine.

Affected patients will get more information about the change from both Meridian and Northwestern Medicine. Northwestern Medicine is sending letters and emails to patients.

Northwestern Medicine accepts the following Medicaid managed care plans:

  • Blue Cross Community Health Plans
  • CountyCare (Cook County residents only)
  • Molina Healthcare of Illinois

Updated enrollment dates

If you have an assigned primary care physician at Northwestern Medicine or at one of the clinics below, you will need to choose a new plan that is in network with Northwestern Medicine by January 31, 2025.

Clinics include:

  • Erie Family Health Centers
  • Near North Health – Chicago
  • Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) – Chicago
  • CommunityHealth – Chicago
  • Lake County Health Department
  • Aunt Martha’s Woodstock Community Health Center
  • Family Health Partnership Clinic – Crystal Lake
  • Greater Family Health – Sycamore
  • VNA Health Care
  • Access DuPage
  • Tri City Health Partnership – St. Charles

To enroll, call Illinois Client Enrollment Services at 877.912.8880 (TTY: 866.565.8576) or visit enrollhfs.illinois.gov .

To choose a new Medicaid plan if you do not have an assigned primary care physician

You will need to choose a new plan during your annual open enrollment period. Visit abe.illinois.gov to find your enrollment period.


Frequently Asked Questions

What if I am currently receiving care at Northwestern Medicine?

You can continue to get care at Northwestern Medicine through December 31, 2024. After that date, you must schedule all care with an in-network clinician.

You may qualify for an exception to continue care for a period of time. Meridian will decide who qualifies. Exceptions may include patients:

  • On an active treatment pathway for cancer or organ transplant
  • In the second or third trimester of pregnancy
  • Who have surgeries scheduled prior to December 31st for January 1 to March 31, 2025
  • Who have scheduled behavioral health services from January 1 to March 31, 2025
  • Who have scheduled primary care appointments from January 1 to February 28, 2025

How can I find out my due date for open enrollment?

Visit abe.illinois.gov . Log in to “Manage My Case” to see when you can enroll in another Medicaid health plan.

If you cannot go online, you may call 800.843.6154. The state will provide a live interpreter during the call if you need one.

How do I learn more about accepted Medicaid plans at Northwestern Medicine?

Visit their websites:

How do I transfer my medical records to a new healthcare organization?

Please visit nm.org/medical-records to transfer your medical records. You can use an online tool to transfer your records. Call 877.973.2673 if you need help.

How do I contact Meridian if I have questions?

You can call Meridian Member Services at 866.606.3700 (TTY: 711) or visit ilmeridian.com for help.