Meridian, a subsidiary of the St. Louis-based Centene Corporation, currently provides coverage for more than 596,000 enrollees as of May 2026. Under the terms of the new mandate, the insurer will maintain its oversight of integrated primary, maternal, and behavioral health services. The company emphasizes a model that pairs clinical care with community-based support to address social drivers of health across all 102 Illinois counties.

This selection follows a period of performance recognition for the health plan. In the 2024 HealthChoice Illinois Report Card, Meridian earned 5-star ratings in three categories: Access to Care, Living with Illness, and Women's/Children's Health. Meridian Plan President and CEO Cristal Gary stated that the renewal validates the company’s ongoing strategy to remove barriers to care for vulnerable populations. The contract marks a continuation of the organization's two-decade presence in the state’s managed care landscape.