Introduction
Menopause affects every woman. Yet, for millions of Medicaid members, the support and treatment they need simply is not available. That is beginning to change. Aetna Better Health of Illinois recently partnered with Elektra Health, a virtual menopause care platform, to fill a critical gap in women’s healthcare. This move signals a shift in how Medicaid plans approach women’s health — and it could serve as a model for health plans across the country.
The Gap in Menopause Care
Menopause Remains Widely Underserved
Despite affecting every woman at some stage of life, menopause care remains one of the most overlooked areas in healthcare. Research shows that only about 8% of women in the menopausal age range seek treatment or more information about their symptoms. That figure is strikingly low, given that every woman eventually reaches this stage.
Silent Suffering Is Still Common
Many women quietly endure symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and sleep disruptions without ever seeking formal care. As Melanie Fernando, president and CEO of Aetna Better Health of Illinois, explained during a Becker’s Payer Issues podcast, “Menopause and perimenopausal symptoms aren’t widely talked about. It’s kind of like silent suffering, and no one talks about it.”
This silence comes at a real cost — both human and financial. Untreated menopause symptoms reduce quality of life and can lead to downstream health issues, including bone loss, cardiovascular complications, and mental health challenges.
Aetna Better Health of Illinois Takes Action
A Data-Driven Decision
Rather than relying on assumptions, Aetna Better Health of Illinois used a data-driven approach to identify care gaps across different demographics. Through that analysis, the team spotted a clear opportunity: women’s health programming was significantly underdeveloped, especially for menopausal women.
Identifying the Right Partner
After identifying the need, Aetna Better Health of Illinois began evaluating potential solutions. The insurer wanted a partner that could deliver specialized, accessible, and culturally sensitive care to its Medicaid population. Elektra Health emerged as the best fit.
Why Elektra Health Was Chosen
Specialized Menopause-Focused Care
Elektra Health is the first and only virtual menopause care provider to accept both Medicare and Medicaid. The platform connects women to board-certified OB/GYNs and menopause-trained clinicians who provide comprehensive support — from symptom management to hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options.
Virtual Access Removes Barriers
For Medicaid members, access to specialized care is often limited by transportation, work schedules, and provider availability. Therefore, a telehealth-based model is particularly well-suited to this population. Elektra’s virtual platform removes those common barriers and brings care directly to members.
Culturally Responsive Services
Beyond clinical expertise, Elektra’s platform is designed to be inclusive and accessible. This matters deeply in Medicaid populations, where cultural relevance and language accessibility can significantly affect health outcomes.
What the Program Offers Members
Comprehensive Menopause Support
Through the Aetna Better Health of Illinois and Elektra partnership, enrolled members gain access to a range of services, including:
- Consultations with menopause-trained, board-certified clinicians
- Personalized treatment plans covering both hormonal and non-hormonal approaches
- Prescription support and medication management
- Education and resources to help women understand their symptoms
- Ongoing follow-up and care coordination
Education as a Core Component
A key part of Elektra’s model is patient education. Many women do not seek care because they do not realize their symptoms are treatable. Moreover, stigma and lack of awareness keep too many women from starting the conversation. By providing accessible information alongside clinical care, the program helps bridge that knowledge gap.
Measuring Success and ROI
Setting a High Bar for Engagement
One of the clearest indicators of a program’s success in a Medicaid population is engagement rate. Fernando noted that Aetna Better Health of Illinois aims for above 30% engagement. “If we exceed that, then it’s a home run,” she said.
Why Engagement Matters
High engagement signals that members are actively participating in their care — attending appointments, following through on treatment plans, and returning for follow-up. In turn, that leads to better health outcomes and, ultimately, lower long-term costs for the plan.
Long-Term ROI Goes Beyond Costs
While financial return on investment matters, the program’s leadership also recognizes that improved quality of life, reduced hospitalizations, and better management of related conditions all contribute to value. Consequently, the ROI conversation extends well beyond cost savings alone.
What This Means for Medicaid Members
Access to Care That Was Previously Out of Reach
Historically, Medicaid members have faced significant barriers to specialty care. Menopause care, in particular, has been difficult to access in low-income populations. This partnership changes that by offering high-quality, evidence-based care within the Medicaid framework.
Empowering Women to Take Control
Perhaps more importantly, the program gives women the tools to advocate for themselves. Many Medicaid members have not been told that their symptoms are both common and treatable. As a result, they have continued to suffer unnecessarily. With the right information and support, they can now seek the care they deserve.
The Bigger Picture for Women’s Health
A National Trend Is Building
Aetna Better Health of Illinois is not alone in this focus. Across the country, health plans and policymakers are beginning to recognize the need for better menopause coverage. As of early 2026, Illinois and Louisiana remain the only states mandating comprehensive menopause coverage under Medicaid — but the movement is growing.
Other Health Plans Are Following
The success of programs like this one is likely to inspire other Medicaid plans to develop similar initiatives. Furthermore, as evidence of ROI accumulates, the business case for investing in women’s midlife health will only strengthen.
Advocacy Is Changing the Landscape
Policy efforts such as the Menopause Research and Equity Act are pushing for greater funding and coverage of menopause-related care nationwide. These legislative moves, combined with health plan innovation, are gradually reshaping how menopause is treated in the healthcare system.
Key Takeaways
Menopause Care Deserves More Attention
This partnership between Aetna Better Health of Illinois and Elektra Health demonstrates what is possible when health plans prioritize women’s midlife health. By investing in specialized, accessible, and data-informed care, Medicaid plans can improve outcomes, increase engagement, and deliver real value for their members.
The message is clear: menopause should no longer be treated as silent suffering. It is a medical issue that deserves — and is increasingly receiving — serious attention and investment.
