Managed Care Plans Guide
Every Medicaid managed care plan in Illinois and Missouri — side by side. Compare benefits, maternity coverage, phone numbers, and how to enroll or switch. Written in plain language for clients and care workers.
Jump to a section
HealthChoice Illinois — All 5 Plans
Most people with an Illinois Medicaid card must enroll in HealthChoice Illinois. All plans include the same core benefits — compare extras to find your best fit.
Every HealthChoice Illinois plan includes these core benefits
Aetna Better Health of Illinois
Service area: Statewide
Key benefits
- Care management programs for chronic conditions
- Prenatal and postpartum care coordination
- Behavioral health integration
- Transportation to medical appointments
- 24/7 nurse advice line
Blue Cross Community Health Plans
Service area: Statewide
Key benefits
- Large provider network across Illinois
- Maternity and newborn care programs
- Mental health and substance use services
- Care coordination for complex needs
- 24/7 nurse line
CountyCare Health Plan
Service area: Cook County and surrounding areas
Key benefits
- Operated by Cook County Health — deep Chicago-area roots
- Integrated physical and behavioral health
- Strong community health worker program
- Prenatal and postpartum support
- Transportation to appointments
Meridian Health Plan
Service area: Statewide
Key benefits
- Whole-person care model
- Behavioral health and substance use services
- Maternity care management
- Community health worker support
- 24/7 nurse line
Molina Healthcare of Illinois
Service area: Statewide
Key benefits
- Strong focus on underserved communities
- Prenatal and postpartum care coordination
- Behavioral health services
- Transportation to medical appointments
- 24/7 nurse advice line
How to enroll or compare plans in Illinois
Visit enrollhfs.illinois.gov to compare plans side-by-side, find providers in your area, and enroll online. You can also call the HealthChoice Illinois helpline.
MO HealthNet Managed Care — All Plans
Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) uses managed care plans in most of the state. Compare plans to find the best fit for your family — especially if you are pregnant.
Pregnant? Show-Me Healthy Babies is designed specifically for you
Show-Me Healthy Babies is Missouri's specialized managed care plan for pregnant women and children under 19. It offers dedicated maternity nurses, home visiting programs, and breastfeeding peer support that general plans may not provide. If you are pregnant and enrolling in MO HealthNet for the first time, ask about this plan first.
Home State Health
Service area: Statewide
Key benefits
- Missouri-focused Medicaid plan (Centene)
- Prenatal and postpartum care management
- Behavioral health and substance use services
- Transportation to medical appointments
- 24/7 nurse advice line
Healthy Blue Missouri
Service area: Statewide
Key benefits
- Operated by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri
- Large statewide provider network
- Maternity and newborn care programs
- Mental health and substance use services
- 24/7 nurse line
Show-Me Healthy Babies
Recommended for Pregnant MomsService area: Statewide
Key benefits
- Specialized program for pregnant women and newborns
- Comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care
- Newborn care coordination
- Breastfeeding and lactation support
- Behavioral health services
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
Service area: Statewide
Key benefits
- Large national network with strong Missouri presence
- Prenatal and postpartum care programs
- Behavioral health integration
- Transportation to medical appointments
- 24/7 nurse advice line
How to enroll or switch plans in Missouri
Apply for MO HealthNet at mydss.mo.gov or call the Family Support Division. Once enrolled, you will choose a managed care plan. You can switch plans during open enrollment periods.
How to Switch Your Managed Care Plan
Not happy with your plan? You have the right to switch. Here is how — for both states.
Illinois — HealthChoice Illinois
Missouri — MO HealthNet
Tip for doulas and PHWs
If a client is unhappy with their plan — can't find a provider, getting denied services, or having trouble with care coordination — help them document the issue and call the helpline. A quality-of-care complaint is a valid reason to switch outside of open enrollment in both states.
Maternity & Prenatal Benefits Comparison
What do managed care plans cover for pregnant women and new moms in Illinois and Missouri?
| Benefit | Illinois (HealthChoice IL) | Missouri (MO HealthNet) |
|---|---|---|
| Prenatal care visits | All plans — covered | All plans — covered |
| Labor & delivery (hospital) | All plans — covered | All plans — covered |
| Postpartum visits (12 months) | All plans — covered | All plans — covered |
| Newborn care | All plans — covered | All plans — covered |
| Breastfeeding / lactation support | All plans — referrals & support | All plans — referrals; Show-Me has peer support |
| Prenatal vitamins | Most plans — OTC allowance | Most plans — OTC or benefit card |
| Mental health / PPD screening | All plans — covered | All plans — covered |
| Doula services | Not a standard benefit — check with plan | Not a standard benefit — check with plan |
| Home visiting programs | Some plans — ask your care manager | Show-Me Healthy Babies — yes |
| Transportation to OB appointments | All plans — covered | All plans — covered |
| Maternity care manager | All plans — available | All plans — available |
Doula services note
Neither Illinois nor Missouri currently requires managed care plans to cover doula services as a standard Medicaid benefit. However, Illinois has been expanding doula Medicaid coverage — some plans may cover doula services or reimburse through care coordination. Always call your plan directly and ask: "Does my plan cover doula services? Can I get a doula through my care coordinator?"The Doula Lab can help clients navigate this conversation.
Need help choosing or switching a plan?
The Doula Lab team can help clients understand their plan options, navigate enrollment, and advocate for the coverage they deserve — especially during pregnancy and postpartum.