The Fidelis Care Blog

"Food Connects Us" is the theme for National Nutrition Month 2025, highlighting the important role that food plays in uniting individuals, families, and communities. It links us to our cultures, families and friends. It creates shared experiences and deepens our connections. Sharing a meal is more than just eating, it is an opportunity to learn about its preparation, who made it, and where the ingredients come from. Our relationship with food is shaped by health, traditions, memories, seasons, and accessibility. While these factors influence our choices, the food we eat, in turn, has an impact on our overall health and well-being.

As a family physician and registered dietitian, during Black History Month, I reflect on the various fearless trailblazers in healthcare and other sectors who broke barriers and overcame extraordinary obstacles to make my life possible. Access to healthcare and poor health literacy are still issues plaguing the Black community. Generally, patients desire a patient-doctor relationship where they feel comfortable sharing their personal and medical history. From my experiences, my Black patients prefer Black physicians; however, there is a severe shortage of Black physicians, which is another barrier to seeking care for many Black Americans.

The eyes may be windows to the soul, but the mouth is the gateway to the entire body. That’s because dental healthcare can be a gauge of overall health. Despite decades of research about the importance of dental health and the repercussions of neglecting teeth and gums, many Americans still lack access to the dental care they need. Only 63% of American adults saw a dentist in the last year. More alarming? Over 25% of young and middle-aged adults have untreated cavities, and almost half of adults over the age of 30 have gum disease.

February is National Children's Dental Health Month. Taking care of teeth early helps children avoid problems like cavities and gum disease. The Child Health Plus (CHPlus) program from Fidelis Care provides dental care for kids, so they can have strong, healthy smiles. With CHPlus from Fidelis Care, children can get essential dental care at little or no cost to families based on income and household size.

February marks Black History Month. Historically, African Americans have been tremendous contributors to our country and achieved great strides in promoting diversity and inclusivity, despite facing many barriers. I am very proud to be a part of the community and honored that there is a month dedicated to my heritage and our contributions.

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.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time of reflection, celebration, and unity. For me, it is deeply personal, a reminder of the strength, resilience, and cultural pride that defines our community. It is also a call to action to honor our heritage not only with words, but through efforts that uplift the health and well-being of Hispanic families across New York and beyond.

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (September 10, 2025) Fidelis Care, a statewide health plan with more than 2.4 million members in New York State and a Centene Corporation company, has opened the application process for its 2025 rural health grant program. The grants are aimed at supporting healthcare providers and community-based organizations that imagine and create innovative solutions to increase preventive care in rural communities across New York State. The application is available at fideliscare.org/rural-grant. The deadline to apply is October 3, 2025.

Fidelis Care would like to inform providers of a significant development impacting COVID-19 vaccine access across New York State.

What is ovarian cancer? Ovarian cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the ovary. It can spread throughout the body. It is the deadliest of gynecologic cancers. There are different types of ovarian cancer. The most common type of ovarian cancer is abnormal growth of the cells on the surface of the ovary. It is called epithelial ovarian cancer.