Supplier Diversity
Illinois Business Enterprise Program (BEP)
As one of the largest managed care organizations in Illinois, Meridian (Meridian) is implementing initiatives geared toward the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) under the HealthChoice Illinois contract and the Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Initiative demonstration.
We see these initiatives as opportunities for our business, regarding both the markets we serve and the programmatic expansions that have taken place. The increase in growth of Medicare-Medicaid populations has created an opportunity for us to extend our business relationships in certain areas where we rely on external support in assisting our increasing membership.
BEP is a program managed by the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS), which assists businesses owned by minorities, women, or people designated as disabled in gaining access to the State procurement process.
A business must meet the following criteria for BEP eligibility:
- At least 51% owned and controlled by a minority, woman, or person designated as disabled
- The owner must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident alien
- Annual gross sales of less than $75 million
In addition to meeting the criteria above, Illinois CMS must approve the business.
The BEP application can be found at the BEP Certification Portal. Determinations on applications are made in approximately 60 days. Applicants can contact CMS if they need assistance completing their application.
Phone: 312-814-4190 or 1-800-356-9206
Email: bep.cms@illinois.gov
Notify Meridian
Once you become BEP certified, please email Meridian’s Supplier Diversity Team at supplier.diversity@mhplan.com.
Please include the following:
- Copies of current certifications
- Scope of services offered
- Appropriate contracting contacts
All inquiries will receive a personal response within 30 days of receipt