Meridian and YouthCare affirm continued coverage of childhood vaccines
Date: 03/04/26
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has issued guidance that all childhood immunizations recommended by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will continue to be covered by the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and Illinois Medicaid health plans.
On February 5, 2026, IDPH announced its adoption of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2026 Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule.
Meridian is dedicated to ensuring access to high-quality healthcare, including ensuring uninterrupted access to childhood immunizations and supporting providers in delivering preventive care.
Parents consistently identify pediatricians and primary care providers as trusted sources for guidance on childhood immunizations.
Meridian and YouthCare providers are encouraged to use the AAP immunization schedule to inform and standardize their clinical decision-making for pediatric care. Additionally, the following resources are available:
- Meridian’s Healthy Rewards and YouthCare’s My Health Pays® program: Members can earn prepaid debit cards when they complete recommended well-child and immunization visits between birth and age 2.
- EPSDT Provider Toolkit: Review our Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) Provider Toolkit (PDF) that includes preventive care resources and billing codes for childhood immunizations.
- Quality Improvement program: Learn about our Meridian and YouthCare Pay for Performance programs, which reward providers for quality performance on childhood and adolescent immunization HEDIS® measures. Find helpful HEDIS tools for your practice.