Illinois Expands Medicaid to Cover Home Visiting Services for Pregnant and Parenting Individuals

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services began covering home visiting services for pregnant and parenting Medicaid recipients on November 21, providing in-home support to improve health outcomes for parents and children. The services include prenatal health education, blood pressure and behavioral health screenings, domestic violence education, stress management, and referrals, delivered by nurses and trained professionals under evidence-based models. The expansion builds on existing maternal and child health programs in Illinois, which serve more than 15,000 children annually, and follows prior Medicaid coverage for doula and lactation consultant services. The coverage is intended to increase access to quality care, promote birth equity, and support families during critical prenatal and postpartum periods.