YouthCare HealthChoice Illinois

We know at times it can be a challenge for our members in rural areas to access healthcare. YouthCare is partnering with providers who offer telehealth to help bridge this gap. Read our recent announcement about one of these providers: https://bit.ly/410JJku #NationalRuralHealthDay

The flu virus continuously mutates, so a yearly vaccine is important to protect you and those around you. Yet continuing vaccine hesitancy means more children and adults are unnecessarily susceptible to the flu and the potential for severe illness. See Fluvention? resources from Meridian: https://bit.ly/3UXXsoA Promote and encourage flu vaccinations as part of a collective effort to safeguard members and communities. YouthCare is managed by Meridian of Illinois, a subsidiary of Centene Corporation.

Illinois Medicaid providers—revalidation is underway. Revalidation must be timely or providers risk removal from Medicaid without the ability to bill for services. Because revalidation notices are only sent via email, you should log into IMPACT to ensure ALL email addresses listed under the “Basic Information” page are accurate for your organization. Know when to expect your notice: Look for your “Revalidation Period” on the “Basic Information” page in IMPACT. Don’t attempt to revalidate until you receive your email notice. Organizations with multiple service locations and/or NPI numbers must revalidate each service location and/or NPI number separately. Never ignore a revalidation notice from HFS, even if you think you have already completed the process. Get full details in our provider notice: https://bit.ly/4fUqe1q

YouthCare’s Senior Trainer, Gary Pate, presented at the Prevent Child Abuse Illinois Conference held October 17 and 18 in Springfield. A team of employees, including Dr. Marc Fagan, YouthCare Plan President, were also there to showcase all that YouthCare offers to foster children within the state of Illinois.

To help you and your loved ones enjoy a safe and happy Halloween, here are some tips from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ? Wear costumes that say “flame resistant” on the label. If you make your costume, use flame-resistant fabrics such as polyester or nylon. ? Wear bright, reflective costumes or add strips of reflective tape so you’ll be more visible; make sure the costumes aren’t so long that you’re in danger of tripping. ? Wear makeup and hats rather than costume masks that can obscure your vision. ? Test the makeup you plan to use at least 24-48 hours in advance. Put a small amount on the arm of the person who will be wearing it. If a rash, redness, swelling, or other signs of irritation develop where the makeup was applied, that's a sign of a possible allergy. ? Vibrantly colored makeup is popular at Halloween. Check the FDA’s list of color additives to see if the colors are FDA approved. If they aren’t approved for their intended use, don’t use them. This is especially important for colored makeup around the eyes.

The flu virus changes every year. So getting an annual vaccine helps protect you and those around you. The vaccine is available at no cost to our members. Be sure to talk with your patients, or the YouthCare members you assist, about getting this year's flu vaccine. See additional information: https://bit.ly/4dZpaaX

Gary Pate has been a social worker for 33 years and is a senior trainer with YouthCare. Learning and teaching have always been at the core of his work. He trained in infant mental health and as a clinician, engaged caregivers and children ages 0 through 6 in Evidence-based Play Therapy, TF-CBT, Circle of Security, and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy. Gary assisted in the development of and was the clinical director of an independent living program in Chicago for several years. Currently, he develops curricula and facilitates trainings for providers, partners, and caregivers. When asked what he hopes to accomplish in training, he says, “My goal is to evoke curiosity to learn more, enhance creativity, and develop critical thinking skills.”

Today we recognize World Mental Health Day—and more than 5,700 behavioral health and substance use providers in our network whose work saves and changes lives. All providers can be champions for mental health. Centene Corporation, YouthCare's parent company, offers virtual training opportunities delivered by expert instructors. The courses are on the field’s current behavioral health topics and are available to all providers participating in our network—at no cost. Many courses are eligible for continuing education credits. Review the upcoming schedule and register: https://bit.ly/4eZIFRO

Providers, when was the last time you logged into the Illinois Medicaid Program Advanced Technology System (IMPACT)? With Medicaid provider revalidation underway, now is a good time to confirm your organization’s contact information is up to date. Starting in December, providers whose 90-day revalidation cycle has ended will be terminated from Medicaid if they have not taken the proper steps. Learn more about this critical process—required every five years for Medicaid providers—in our notice, and attend an upcoming information session hosted by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services on October 24 from 3 to 4 p.m.: https://bit.ly/4gZ5c2Y https://bit.ly/4h0DZN9

YouthCare Senior Trainer, Gary Pate, recently attended the Educational Conference presented by the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) in Kane County on September 12, 2024. Among those presenting was Sandie Cross, Director of Training and Education. Sandie is known for creating great opportunities for CASA advocates, GALs, and community stakeholders to learn and stay abreast of current trends in child well-being. Gary was able to connect with Sandie after her presentation and discuss more indepth how YouthCare is using current trends to help foster youth thrive.