The Fidelis Care Blog

History is made of fine details that form a much larger picture. These intricate lines and strokes shape who we are. February commemorates the rich Black history that has allowed me to stand in my achievements today. This month reminds me of my mission: to pour into my community.

In 2026, we honor the 100th anniversary of the very first Negro History Week, created in 1926 by historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson. This important week later grew into what we now call Black History Month. Dr. Woodson wanted to make sure that the achievements and stories of Black Americans were recognized, taught, and celebrated across the United States.

February is Children’s Dental Health Month. It’s a great time to focus on the importance of good dental care for kids. Strong, healthy teeth help children speak clearly, chew their food, and feel confident when they smile. Building good habits early can prevent problems like cavities, gum disease, and pain.

Winter weather can be dangerous and hard to predict in New York State. With a little planning, you can help keep yourself, your family, and your home safe all winter long. Dress for the Cold It’s important to dress the right way in cold weather.

Every year on the third Monday in January, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader who fought for justice and equality for all. His dream wasn’t just about civil rights, it was also about making sure everyone has the same chance to live a healthy life.

The following section of the Fidelis Care authorization grids has been updated effective September 1, 2026.

Effective September 1, 2026, Fidelis Care will implement the Leveling of Care: Emergency Department Evaluation and Management (E/M) Overcoding for Facility Services Policy (CC.PP.80) for applicable lines of business.

Fidelis Care will host three Provider Office Hours in August 2026. During the webinars, Fidelis Care staff will be available to share information, provide an overview of provider resources, and answer your questions.

Learning to swim is one of the most important skills a child can learn. Drowning is among the leading causes of death for children ages 1-4, with most of these incidents occurring in the family’s own pool. Luckily, children can start swim lessons as early as 6-12 months old. We know finding budget-friendly options can be challenging, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the free and discounted swim lesson options around New York State. Check in with your local YMCA or parks department for additional help. Free/Discounted Swim Lesson Resources: City Swim Project, based in Buffalo, offers free swim lessons

Effective August 1, 2026, Fidelis Care will implement a new pre-pay claims review process for certain claims that may involve Third-Party Liability (TPL) or Workers' Compensation coverage. This initiative is designed to help ensure claims are billed to the appropriate payer and processed accurately.