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Health Equity

At Fidelis Care, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to live a healthy life. It’s our mission to ensure New Yorkers have access to high-quality healthcare, so they can get the care they need when they need it.

But many other factors contribute to an individual’s health and wellness beyond access to healthcare. Socioeconomic conditions can influence health risks and outcomes. Poverty, food insecurity, housing instability, education, employment, access to transportation and other circumstances contribute to health disparities among underserved and vulnerable populations.

Fidelis Care is committed to removing those barriers to health to improve access, quality, and affordability. It is an ongoing process that requires working together with our members, providers, and community-based organizations to support fair and just opportunities to equal access to healthcare.

Learn more about our different approaches to improve health equity:


Key partnerships

Wellness commitment to Buffalo Urban League

To nurture social entrepreneurship, facilitate wellness, and strengthen organizations focused on Black, Indigenous and People of Color in Buffalo’s East Side, Fidelis Care and the Centene Foundation donated $1.1 million to the Buffalo Urban League (BUL) to help establish its new headquarters and develop a Wellness and Entrepreneurial Center.

In addition, Fidelis Care partners with BUL through community programs and at events held in the city focused on health, family support and stabilization services, foster care, adoption, education, job training, employment, scholarships, and more.

Buffalo-Urban-League

Mental health alliance with The Jed Foundation

As part of our behavioral health efforts, Fidelis Care and the Centene Foundation awarded $1.1 million to The Jed Foundation (JED) to protect the mental health of New York State’s youth.

Through the funding, JED will expand its current services, providing at least five youth-serving community-based organizations (CBOs) with consultation or strategic planning services, including expert guidance, educational workshops, and training programs, equipping young people with life skills and connecting them to mental healthcare when they are in distress.

Fidelis-JED-Social


More Health Equity News


Fidelis Care Highlights Expanded Child Health Plus Eligibility with New 2025 Income Guidelines, Ensuring Affordable Healthcare for New York’s Children
9/15/2025 • Posted by Fidelis Care in Corporate News, Member News

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (September 15, 2025) Fidelis Care, a statewide health plan with more than 2.4 million members in New York State and a Centene Corporation company, is pleased to highlight the updated income guidelines for Child Health Plus through NY State of Health, adjusted to reflect changes in the federal poverty level. The federal poverty level determines income eligibility for public health insurance programs in New York State, including Child Health Plus.

Child Health Plus is a New York State-sponsored program that provides quality health insurance for children who may qualify. With no annual deductible, no copayments, and free preventive care, Child Health Plus offers families peace of mind and high-quality coverage tailored to children’s needs.

2025 Income Guidelines for Child Health Plus

The New York State Department of Health has updated the income eligibility thresholds for Child Health Plus. Key highlights include:

  • No monthly premium for families whose income is less than 2.2 times the poverty level. That's about $1,232 a week for a three-person family or about $1,487 a week for a family of four. 
  • Affordable premiums ranging from $15 to $60 per child per month, depending on a family’s income and size. For larger families, the monthly fee is capped at three children. If the family's income is more than four times the poverty level, they pay the full monthly premium.
  • Children under 19 who are New York State residents may be eligible if they are not eligible for Medicaid, are not enrolled in other health insurance coverage, and are not enrolled or have access to the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP).

These expanded guidelines mean more New York families can enroll their children in Child Health Plus, providing comprehensive benefits including routine checkups, immunizations, hospital care, prescription drugs, and vision and dental services.

Fidelis Care is available to assist families, offering support in multiple languages to ensure a seamless enrollment process. For more information about Child Health Plus or to apply, visit https://www.fideliscare.org/Child-Health-Plus.


About Fidelis Care
Fidelis Care is a mission-driven health plan offering quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life. With more than 2.4 million members statewide, Fidelis Care believes that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. Follow us on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/fidelis-care, Instagram at @fideliscare, and on Facebook at facebook.com/fideliscare. For more information, call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.