Backpack Healthcare now available to Aetna Better Health of Illinois members
Mental health and behavioral health app for youth, young adults and families
CHICAGO — Jan.20, 2026— Backpack Healthcare, a mobile-first mental health self-care app offering evidence-informed tools for stress, anxiety, mood management and safety planning, is now available at no cost to eligible members of Aetna Better Health® of Illinois, a CVS Health® company. This collaboration gives members access to a secure, user-controlled app designed to simplify health management, improve care coordination and support everyday wellbeing.
There are currently over 42 million children on Medicaid. Of those children, more than 20 million are struggling with mental health symptoms. However, even with so many children needing intervention, 30 percent of providers do not accept Medicaid patients. Geared towards members between the ages of 4–26 and families, Backpack helps to make mental and behavioral healthcare accessible to those receiving Medicaid.
In addition to the app, members have access to telehealth therapy for neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD or autism spectrum disorder and mood conditions like anxiety – and parents can receive live training sessions and coaching in small groups on topics like cyberbullying and substance use disorders.
“Early access to behavioral health care doesn’t just support a child in crisis; it changes their entire life trajectory,” said Hafeezah Muhammed, CEO and Founder of Backpack. “Our collaboration with Aetna ensures young people receive timely, high-quality clinical care supported by proactive digital tools that meet them in the moments they need help most. As the youth mental health crisis intensifies, we’re proving what’s possible: personalized, accessible care at scale for Medicaid populations. No child should ever be left behind, and together we’re building a system that reflects that.”
“Aetna Better Health of Illinois is committed to whole-person care, which includes improving access to behavioral health support,” said Melanie Fernando, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Illinois. “Backpack complements our services by helping some of our youngest, most vulnerable and underserved members and their families stay supported and connected to the care they need in a timely and streamlined manner, pairing them with tools and providers pivotal to their wellbeing at a time where mental health wellness is critical.”
Key member benefits include:
- Accessibility and inclusion: Plain-language wellness and health promotion tools in five languages, low-bandwidth mode and accessible design for diverse literacy and digital-skill levels.
- Evidence-based self-care tools: Guided breathing, grounding, cognitive reframing exercises, sleep supports and short skill-building programs developed by clinical content specialists.
- Fast access: Patients can have an initial appointment in less than seven days with real-time scheduling and integrated care coordination.
- Mood tracking and personalized routines: Simple tracking, adaptive micro-programs, and reminders to help members build consistent coping habits.
- Privacy and security: Strong encryption and privacy practices aligned with applicable health-data standards to protect member confidentiality.
- Safety and crisis planning: Private, easy-to-create safety plans with one-tap access to emergency resources and local hotlines.
- Secure sharing and care continuity: Members control exporting or sharing selected summaries with providers, caregivers or care coordinators.
- Therapy and psychiatry services: Members have access to telehealth and in-person sessions for therapy and psychiatry services.
Aetna Better Health of Illinois serves over 360,000 Medicaid members in 102 counties. The health plan offers value-added benefits and best practices that have proven positive results in utilization, health gap closures and member satisfaction. Backpack is available at no cost to eligible Aetna Better Health of Illinois members.
More information about Backpack is available at hellobackpack.com.
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About Backpack Healthcare
Backpack Healthcare is a mental-health self-care platform that provides evidence-informed exercises, mood tracking, safety planning, and accessible resources to support daily wellbeing and complement professional care.
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