Member

Login to your account, make a payment, see benefits and more.

Members

Manage Your Plan

Helpful Tools

Wellcare By Fidelis Care

Members
Providers

Login to your account, download forms, view auth grids and more.

Providers

Provider Resources

About Our Plans

Helpful Tools

Providers
Shop For a Plan

See plan benefits, coverage areas, get a quote and more.

Shop for a Plan

Our Plans

Helpful Tools

Wellcare By Fidelis Care

Shop for a Plan
AAA
HomeAbout usHealth EquityHealth Equity Alt

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


January is Healthy Weight Awareness Month
1/6/2026 • Posted by Dr. Nicole Belanger-Reynolds in Health and Wellness

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to set new goals for a healthier life. Keeping a healthy weight is one way to keep your body well.

Obesity: A Growing Concern

Obesity means having too much body fat, which can hurt your health.

  • According to the New York State Department of Health, almost 1 out of 3 adults in New York State is obese.
  • Obesity can lead to problems like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
  • Obesity is often measured by body mass index (BMI). BMI considers a person's weight and height. Click here to find out your own BMI.

What is Healthy Weight?

A healthy weight is the weight that’s right for your height and age.

A BMI of between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy for adults. BMI is just a general guideline, though, and does not consider muscle mass or where fat is in the body. For these reasons, BMI is not a perfect measure, but it can be a place to start. Your healthcare provider can also help you determine if your weight is healthy for you.

Benefits of Healthy Weight

  • Less risk of getting sick: Keeping a healthy weight helps you stay well and avoid getting sick. It can keep your heart healthy and reduce the risk of diabetes.
  • Better mental health: A healthy weight can make you feel better and more confident.
  • More energy: With a healthy weight, you’ll have more energy to do more each day.
  • Better sleep: Keeping a healthy weight can lead to more restful sleep.

Ideas for Healthy Changes

  • Eat a balanced diet: Eat fruits, vegetables, lean meat, and whole grains. Don’t eat too much.
  • Understand what you’re eating: Check the nutrition facts label for serving sizes and calories. Ask your healthcare provider about the number of calories that’s healthy for you each day.
  • Drink enough water: Drink water to stay hydrated. Carry a water bottle and refill it throughout the day. Choose water during meals.
  • Get regular exercise: Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes most days. Try activities like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Talk to your healthcare provider about the type of exercise that’s right for you.
  • Practice daily healthy habits:
    • Pay attention to feelings of hunger.
    • Eat slowly.
    • Get 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
    • Manage stress.
  • Get support: Engage with community programs, seek guidance from healthcare professionals, or join support groups to stay motivated.

Small Changes Make a Big Impact

  • Start with small steps. Take the stairs, walk during breaks, and drink water instead of soda.
  • Slowly progress to bigger changes in lifestyle, diet, and exercise each week or month.

Conclusion: A Commitment to Health

Remember, staying at a healthy weight takes time. This January, start with one small step.

References: