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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


Fidelis Care Highlights Adjusted Income Guidelines for Essential Plan in 2026
3/17/2026 • Posted by Fidelis Care in Corporate News, Member News

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (March 17, 2026) 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 the Essential Plan 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 the Essential Plan. The Essential Plan aims to bridge the gap for those who may not qualify for Medicaid Managed Care but still need access to quality, low-cost health insurance.

2026 Income Guidelines for the Essential Plan

  • Individuals: Maximum Yearly Income $39,900
  • Household of 2: Maximum Yearly Income $54,100
  • Household of 3: Maximum Yearly Income $68,300
  • Household of 4: Maximum Yearly Income $82,500

The Essential Plan is designed to help individuals and families who fall into particular income categories, providing them with essential health benefits, including a $0 monthly premium, no deductible, low out of pocket costs, dental and vision coverage with $0 copay, and free preventive care. In addition to those benefits, the Essential Plan offered by Fidelis Care includes a new Wellness Rewards program, a fitness reimbursement program, a variety of healthcare resources, and access to the plan’s statewide network of high-quality providers.

With the adjusted income guidelines, access to the Essential Plan will increase for low- and moderate-income individuals. Fidelis Care representatives are available across the state to support New Yorkers with detailed information on how the Essential Plan can meet their healthcare needs. Enrollment in the Essential Plan is available year-round.

For more information about the Essential Plan, visit https://www.fideliscare.org/essential-plan.

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.