Aetna Better Health of Illinois, a CVS Health company (NYSE: CVS), has introduced three new lifestyle benefits designed to support its Medicaid members enrolled through the HealthChoice Illinois program. These benefits aim to reduce barriers to a healthier lifestyle by addressing essential needs such as food accessibility, behavioral health, and opportunities for physical activities. The newly added benefits include free grocery delivery, behavioral health wellness support, and a yearly stipend for young children and young adults to participate in healthy activities or programming.
These additional benefits reflect Aetna Better Health of Illinois’s commitment to improving the overall well-being of its members by making healthy lifestyle choices more accessible. By providing resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by Medicaid recipients, the company hopes to foster both physical and mental well-being, ensuring members can more easily reach their health goals.
Addressing Key Health Barriers with New Benefits
Aetna Better Health of Illinois recognizes the challenges many Medicaid recipients face when trying to access essential health and wellness services. To combat these challenges, the company has introduced the following benefits:
- Free Grocery Delivery: Eligible members aged 18 and older can now receive coverage for their monthly subscription fees for select grocery delivery services. This benefit allows members to order fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy food options directly to their homes without worrying about additional delivery costs.
- Free Behavioral Health Wellness Support: Members who qualify can receive a Calming Comfort box, which contains carefully selected items to help manage behavioral health and promote relaxation and stress relief.
- Free Healthy Activities for Kids and Young Adults: Eligible members between the ages of 5 and 21 can access an annual stipend for participating in healthy activities or programming, such as sports leagues, fitness classes, and other wellness-focused initiatives.
Tackling Food Insecurity and Accessibility Challenges
Food insecurity remains a pressing issue for many Medicaid recipients, and Aetna Better Health of Illinois is committed to addressing this challenge head-on. Many members rely on expensive food delivery services to obtain fresh produce and nutritious meals, often making it difficult to maintain a healthy diet. A study indicates that the average American spends approximately 38 hours per year grocery shopping. In Illinois, the cost of grocery delivery alone averages around $1,317 annually, placing an additional financial burden on families.
With the introduction of free grocery delivery for eligible members, Aetna Better Health of Illinois aims to reduce these costs and improve access to healthy food. By eliminating delivery fees, members can prioritize nutritious food choices without the added stress of transportation or financial constraints.
Enhancing Behavioral Health Support
Mental and emotional well-being are crucial components of overall health, yet many individuals lack access to the resources needed to manage stress, anxiety, and other behavioral health challenges. Aetna Better Health of Illinois seeks to bridge this gap with its free behavioral health wellness support.
Eligible members can receive a Calming Comfort box containing various wellness items specifically curated to support mental health. These items may include stress-relief tools, relaxation aids, and educational materials on mental well-being. By offering this benefit, Aetna Better Health of Illinois is reinforcing its dedication to holistic healthcare, ensuring that members have the tools they need to manage their mental health effectively.
Promoting Physical Activity for Children and Young Adults
Participation in physical activities and extracurricular programs is essential for the development of children and young adults. However, the costs associated with these activities can be a significant financial strain on families. According to research, U.S. parents spend an average of $731 per year per child on extracurricular activities, which can make participation difficult for low-income families.
To help alleviate these financial barriers, Aetna Better Health of Illinois is providing an annual stipend for eligible members aged 5 to 21 to participate in healthy activities and wellness programs. This stipend can be used for activities such as sports teams, dance classes, gym memberships, and other health-promoting programs. By investing in the physical well-being of young members, the company is encouraging healthier lifestyles from an early age, which can lead to long-term health benefits.
Strengthening Existing Value-Added Benefits
The new benefits complement Aetna Better Health of Illinois’s existing suite of value-added services. These include:
- A 24-Hour Nurse Line for immediate medical guidance
- Free baby essentials, including a $45 monthly diaper voucher
- Free gym memberships and weight management support
- A free behavioral health and wellness app membership
- Free educational support resources
- A dollar rewards program for completing healthy actions
- Free transportation to and from medical appointments
These value-added benefits are designed to provide holistic support for Medicaid members, addressing a wide range of needs from preventive care to emergency assistance. Last year alone, these benefits were utilized over 5,000 times, highlighting their importance in improving health outcomes and member satisfaction.
A Commitment to Serving Illinois Communities
Aetna Better Health of Illinois serves more than 360,000 Medicaid members across all 102 counties in the state. By implementing innovative health solutions and value-added benefits, the organization has consistently demonstrated its commitment to enhancing healthcare access and improving member outcomes.
The impact of these efforts is evident in the company’s success in closing health gaps, increasing service utilization, and boosting overall member satisfaction. Aetna Better Health of Illinois continues to refine its approach by incorporating best practices and adapting to the evolving needs of its members.
About Aetna Medicaid
Aetna Medicaid Administrators LLC (Aetna Medicaid), a subsidiary of CVS Health, has been a leader in managing healthcare for under-resourced populations for more than 30 years. The company employs innovative strategies and maintains a strong local presence to ensure effective healthcare delivery and cost efficiency.
Aetna Medicaid specializes in serving high-need Medicaid members, including those eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. The company operates Medicaid-managed health care plans under the Aetna Better Health brand and other affiliated names. Currently, Aetna Medicaid provides services across 15 states, including Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
For more information about Aetna Better Health of Illinois and its Medicaid offerings, visit www.aetnabetterhealth.com/illinois-medicaid.
