The Joint Commission Health Care Equity Certification Program
Go beyond basic accreditation for healthcare equity in all aspects of care, treatment, and service delivery.
Meridian is revolutionizing healthcare equity in Illinois by going beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. Recognizing that collaboration with our providers is key to our success, we're excited to be the first Medicaid health plan in the country to collaborate with The Joint Commission on their Health Care Equity (HCE) certification program for our Illinois in-network hospitals.
Through the HCE Certification program, Meridian will support in-network Illinois hospitals committed to providing and upholding equitable standards of care and treatment in alignment with our goal to eliminate health disparities.
“We’re thrilled to be the first Medicaid health plan in the country to leverage The Joint Commission’s Health Care Equity Certification to advance our mission to transform the health of the community, one person at a time. Together, we will work to ensure our providers have the right resources and supports to deliver high quality and equitable care with dignity and respect for all people we collectively serve.”
- Cristal Gary, Meridian Plan president and CEO
The Joint Commission Health Equity Certification in Brief
What is it?
The Joint Commission’s HCE Certification program is a voluntary program designed to recognize organizations that go beyond the basic accreditation requirement and seek to formalize structures, processes, and goals for identifying and addressing health disparities.
Who can apply?
All eligible hospitals may apply. Meridian in-network Illinois hospitals can receive partial reimbursement.
Why apply?
The HCE Certification helps hospitals establish a framework for healthcare equity through industry-leading standards. These standards are proven to help close gaps in access and quality among patient groups where disparities are frequent.
The value of obtaining HCE Certification includes:
- Creation of goals and alignment for equity at all levels of the organization
- Implementation of proven strategies to reduce health disparities
- Market differentiation of your organization’s focus and dedication to health equity and reducing disparities in care
Are there fees associated with the HCE Certification?
Yes, there are two fees:
- An annual application fee (if a hospital applies mid-year, the application fee is prorated the first year; then the full fee is billed in January every subsequent year)
- An onsite survey fee billed after the onsite survey visit, which occurs within 12 months after applying and every two years thereafter
Available reimbursement
Through our partnership with The Joint Commission, Meridian will provide financial support to our Illinois in-network hospitals to help offset the certification costs. Hospitals are eligible to request reimbursement for:
- The annual application fee: Meridian will reimburse this when the application and fee is received by The Joint Commission.
- The on-site survey fee: Meridian will reimburse this fee after the on-site review is complete (within 12 months of the application date) and the hospital attains certification.
Safety Net and Critical Access hospitals will receive 25% reimbursement and all other hospitals will receive 15% reimbursement of the fees. Contact your Provider Relations representative to initiate the reimbursement process.
What to expect
The certification process consists of three phases.
- Learn more about the HCE Certification on The Joint Commission’s website.
- Contact certification@jointcommission.org for questions and guidance.
- Assess your organization’s readiness with the Health Care Equity Certification Review Process Guide.
- Complete the application.
- Participate in the onsite survey review.
- Promote your achievement and share your success.
Contacts
- To apply or ask questions, contact certification@jointcommission.org .
- To request reimbursement from Meridian, contact your Provider Relations representative.
- Don’t know your assigned representative? Complete our intake form and a representative will be in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Joint Commission’s HCE Certification program is a voluntary program designed to recognize hospitals that go beyond the basic accreditation requirement and seek to formalize structures, processes, and goals for identifying and addressing health disparities.
The HCE Certification will help Illinois in-network hospitals stand out among
payors, government agencies, and employers across the communities they serve.
As part of Meridian’s mission to transform the health of the community, one person at a time, we want to ensure our providers have the right resources and support to provide the highest quality of care with dignity and respect for all individuals regardless of who they are and where they come from.
The HCE Certification is only available to hospitals. Meridian will provide partial reimbursement of associated fees to our in-network hospitals in Illinois.
No, any Illinois Meridian in-network hospital meeting the conditions of participation (state licensure or other accreditor) may apply.
The Joint Commission has a dedicated staff member to help each hospital with the process. Contact certification@jointcommission.org.
Yes, there are two fees:
- An annual application fee (if a hospital applies mid-year, the application fee is prorated the first year, then billed in January every subsequent year)
- An on-site survey fee billed after the on-site survey visit, which occurs within 12 months after applying and every two years thereafter.
Meridian will provide financial support to our in-network Illinois hospitals to help offset the certification costs. Safety Net and Critical Access hospitals will receive 25% reimbursement and all other hospitals will receive 15% reimbursement of the fees.
Hospitals are eligible to request reimbursements for the annual and on-site survey fee:
- Annual application fee: Meridian will reimburse after the application and fee have been received by The Joint Commission.
- The onsite survey fee: Meridian will reimburse this fee after the on-site survey is complete (within 12 months of the application date) and the hospital attains certification.
- Hospitals that apply in 2024 can also receive partial reimbursement in 2025 for the annual fee if they obtain the certification.
Contact your provider relations representative to initiate the reimbursement process.
Meridian is offering the HCE Certification incentive to their hospital partners to reinforce our commitment to providing the highest quality care among all patient groups as a step toward reducing healthcare disparities.
Hospitals must reach out to their Meridian Provider Relations representative to request reimbursement after: (1) submitting the application and paying the annual fee, and (2) after successfully completing the certification process (on-site survey).
Our incentive program will run from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025.
Hospitals are encouraged, but are not required, to submit certification receipts. Meridian will verify HCE Certification application with The Joint Commission.
For more information, visit The Joint Commission’s website. Those interested in applying can contact certification@jointcommission.org.