Member
Providers
Shop For a Plan

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


Preventing Falls at Home
9/14/2023 • Posted by Fidelis Care in Caregiver Support, In The Community

Man using a walker


As people get older, a fall in the home can cause serious injury. Take some simple steps to reduce the risk of falls.
 

  1. Clear all hallways. Remove clutter from hallways and rooms to help reduce the risk of tripping. If you need to walk over rugs, fix them to the floor with backing. Outside the home, make sure entryways are free of obstacles and yard debris.
     
  1. Install good lighting. Being able to see well in your home helps you avoid tripping hazards. Make sure your home is well lit, especially if you have vision problems. If possible, put lights on a timer to automatically turn on in the evening.
     
  1. Wear clothes and shoes that fit well. Don’t let your clothing drag on the floor. It can cause you to trip. Shoes should fit well and support your feet, especially if you have trouble walking.
     
  1. Manage your medications. Some people who take more than one medication run the risk of falling if they sit up or stand too quickly. To help prevent dizziness or fainting, remember to rise slowly from a sitting to standing position to help your blood pressure adjust. Talk to your healthcare provider about how your medications might impact your risk of falling.
     
  1. Use medical equipment properly. Many older adults need durable medical equipment, such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs to help them move around at home. It’s important that you only use the equipment as intended.
     

Wellcare By Fidelis Care Medicare and Dual Advantage members may qualify for services that can help assess your risk of falling, keep your home free of falling risks, and help you live more independently. If you have questions about these resources, please call Wellcare By Fidelis Care at 1-800-247-1447 (TTY: 711) to speak with a representative over the phone or arrange an in-person meeting.