MHP Frequently Asked Questions
Behavioral Health Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I enroll into Meridian Health Plan?
A: If you are currently enrolled with Illinois Medicaid and wish to participate with Meridian Health Plan, please contact the Illinois Client Enrollment Broker at 1-877-912-8880. Members will be asked to select an in-network PCP with Meridian Health Plan. To see if your PCP participates or to select an in-network provider, please call Meridian Health Plan Member Services at 1-866-606-3700.
If you are not already enrolled with Illinois public aid, please visit your local DHS office to see if you qualify
Q: How do I find a PCP in my area?
A: You can look at our provider directory on this website or you can
call our Member Services Department at 1-866-606-3700 for help.
Q: Does MHP have co-pays?
A: No, MHP does not charge co-pays for any covered services, including pharmacy. If you get a prescription filled and are asked to pay an out of pocket co-payment, please keep a copy of the receipt and mail it to Meridian Health Plan for reimbursement. Please include a letter that has your name, phone number, mailing address, and Meridian member ID number which is listed on your membership ID card.
Q: How do I get transportation to my doctor's office?
A: MHP has FREE transportation to your doctor's appointments if you
do not have a ride. We may ask you to use your local bus service unless
there is a medical reason you can not do so. You must call 5 days in
advance for routine transportation. You can call 1-866-796-1165 to schedule
routine transportation, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
Q: Do I need a referral to see a specialist?
A: Yes you do need a referral from your PCP to see a specialist. You
do not need a referral for chiropractic services
or mental health/counseling services.
Q: My neighbor has MHP but she only speaks and reads Spanish. Do
you have someone that can speak her language?
A: Yes we have interpreters for over 140 different languages and we
also have our Member Handbook in Spanish.
Q: What information do I need to take to the pharmacy when I need a prescription filled?
A: You should take both your Meridian Health Plan (MHP) and Illinois Medi cards to the pharmacy when you have a prescription to be filled. You should also take personal identification, like a driver’s license or state issued identification card, with your picture on it. MHP does not charge a co-payment for covered medications. Please keep a copy of your receipt and mail it to MHP for reimbursement.
Q: Does MHP cover dental services?
A: No MHP does not cover your dental benefit; it is covered by regular
Medicaid. You can contact your caseworker or the Medicaid Helpline at
1-888-286-2447 to learn how to get dental services.
Q: Does MHP cover routine vision services?
A: No, MHP does not cover your vision services; it is covered by regular Medicaid. If a member is looking for an eye doctor or vision provider, they can call the Illinois Health Connect Client Helpline at 1-877-912-1999.
Behavioral Health Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a referral from my Primary Care Physician (PCP) for behavioral health services?
A: No, a referral from your PCP is not needed for initial outpatient behavioral health care services. Meridian Health Plan can assist you with finding a behavioral health care provider in your area.
Q: Do I need prior authorization for behavioral health services?
A: Initial outpatient behavioral health services (services you receive at the doctor's office), except for alcohol and substance abuse treatment, provided in a counselor, therapist, social worker or psychiatrist office do not require prior approval from Meridian Health Plan.
Only inpatient (services you receive in the hospital), partial-hospitalization (day program), and all alcohol and substance abuse treatment, including detox, require prior authorization from Meridian Health Plan.
Q: How can I make sure that I have an authorization for inpatient, day program or alcohol and substance abuse services?
A: You can call Meridian Health Plan directly to request an authorization, or ask your behavioral health provider to call Meridian Health Plan for an authorization.
Q: Can I continue to see the same behavioral health provider that I am currently seeing?
A: Yes. If your behavioral health provider participates (in-network) in the Meridian Health Plan network then you will be able to see that provider. If you are currently using an out of network behavioral health provider, please contact Meridian Health Plan for an authorization for continued services.
Q: How do I know if my current behavioral health provider is in-network with Meridian Health Plan?
A: Meridian Health Plan can tell you if your behavioral health provider is in-network by calling 1-866-796-1167.
Q: What can I do if my current behavioral health provider is not in the Meridian Health Plan Network?
A: Tell your current behavioral health provider to call Meridian Health Plan and ask to become a participating provider. Your behavioral health provider can also request an authorization for transitional services until an in-network behavioral health provider can be found to assist you or until an authorization for an out of network behavioral health provider is made.
Q: What are the hours of operation for Meridian Health Plan?
A: Meridian Health Plan is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Central Time. Licensed, clinical staff is available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week (including weekends and holidays) to assist you if you have urgent or emergency needs.
If a you or your provider has any questions, please call Meridian Member Services at 1-866-606-3700.
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