Advancing Recovery in Illinois: Wayspring and Meridian Expand Access to Integrated Care for Over 10,000 Members

Posted on September 22, 2026 (September 22, 2026)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS —September 22, 2026 — Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Inc. (Meridian) and Wayspring announced today a partnership to expand access to integrated care for more than 10,000 Medicaid members living with substance use disorder (SUD) and serious mental illness (SMI) across Illinois.

Members will be able to receive care either in person at Wayspring’s outpatient clinic or virtually statewide. A dedicated care team of clinicians and engagement specialists provide a consistent, personalized experience throughout their recovery journey. Services include behavioral health and substance use treatment, chronic condition management, therapy and counseling, and care coordination across hospitals, facilities, and community providers. “Meridian works to transform the health of people throughout Illinois, which includes providing access to coordinated, whole‑person care for members with complex behavioral health needs,” said Dr. Henish Bhansali, Chief Medical Officer at Meridian Health Plan of Illinois. “Partnering with Wayspring helps us support members living with SUD and SMI by providing access to care that is integrated, community‑based, and designed to meet people where they are.”

Across the Chicago area, engagement specialists, many with lived experience in recovery, meet members where they are by visiting homes, shelters and community settings. This approach builds trust, reconnects individuals with traditional systems, and maintains support even when members are not actively seeking care.

“Too often, people living with substance use disorder and serious mental illness encounter systems that weren’t designed with them in mind,” said Ashley Potts, Vice President Operations, Illinois at Wayspring. “Our partnership with Meridian allows us to stay present through the hardest moments, combining healthcare, social support, and human connection to help people rebuild trust and move toward lasting recovery and stability.”

The collaboration builds on Wayspring’s growing presence in Illinois. Together, Wayspring and Meridian will work alongside providers and community organizations to strengthen recovery support statewide, close gaps in care, and ensure members receive the right support at the right time.

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About Meridian Health Plan of Illinois
Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Inc. and its family of health plans provide government-sponsored managed care to families, children, seniors, and individuals with complex medical needs. This includes Meridian’s Medicaid and Medicare-Medicaid plans, and YouthCare HealthChoice Illinois. YouthCare is a specialized program designed to address the healthcare needs of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) youth in out-of-home placement and former  youth in care. Meridian connects members to care and offers comprehensive services to support lifelong health and wellness. Meridian is a company of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives. Learn more at ILmeridian.com.

About Wayspring

Wayspring is a behavioral health performance partner helping health plans, providers, and public programs improve outcomes, quality, and value. Grounded in years of experience serving members and working across behavioral health networks, Wayspring combines AI-powered intelligence with deep clinical and operational expertise and hands-on support. Its solutions improve member outcomes, strengthen provider and network performance, reduce avoidable spend, and help organizations design and manage more effective behavioral health programs without losing sight of the people at the center of care.

Learn more at Wayspring.com. Wayspring members can visit MyWayspring.com for additional resources and support.

Medical and behavioral services to be provided by Illinois-licensed clinicians, including  Sheriva Hunter, NP; Tanya Tanguay, LCPC, CADS; Kayla Kimes APRN-FPA (PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC); Juliana Nwauwa DNP, APRN; and Steve Ambrose, LCPC. Posted in Announcements