Fidelis Care Names Christine J. Testaverde as New Chief Legal Officer

QUEENS, NY (05/09/2011)(readMedia)-- Fidelis Care, the New York State Catholic Health Plan, is pleased to announce that Christine J. Testaverde has joined Fidelis Care as Chief Legal Officer, and will be responsible for coordination of all legal issues impacting Fidelis Care.

Ms. Testaverde was selected after an extensive search that resulted in more than 130 candidates. After a series of screenings and interviews of the top prospects by executive and senior staff, and outside counsel, it was clear that Ms. Testaverde's experience and credentials were an exceptional fit for Fidelis Care.

Prior to joining Fidelis Care, Ms. Testaverde was with the firm Kissel Hirsch & Wilmer, where she has been since 2008. She began the practice of law at Mendes and Mount and subsequently spent most of her career with Duane Morris, where she was a partner. Ms. Testaverde has extensive experience dealing with professional liability and insurance coverage issues. She has handled all aspects of coverage analysis, claims management, arbitration, mediation and settlement of a variety of complex matters. She also has experience in the areas of employment and general litigation.

Ms. Testaverde holds a BA from Fordham University and a JD from Fordham University School of Law and is licensed to practice law in New York and Connecticut. Ms. Testaverde is also admitted to appear before the United States District Court for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Ms. Testaverde currently resides in Eastchester, New York, with her husband, Steve Crowley, and their children, Anna, Nunzio and Sophia.

Fidelis Care was founded on the belief that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. With nearly 700,000 members in 58 of New York's 62 counties, Fidelis Care is the largest government programs-based health insurance company in the state. With a growing provider network of more than 43,000 health care providers across the state, our members are able to find a doctor they can trust in their own community along with the confidence of knowing they can see a doctor nearly anywhere in the state should the need arise.

Fidelis Care offers free or low-cost health insurance through New York State's Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, and Medicaid Managed Care programs. Fidelis Care also offers a variety of benefit options for seniors through its Medicare and Dual Advantage programs, Fidelis Medicaid Advantage Plus, and Fidelis Care at Home programs available on a county by county basis.

Fidelis Care regional offices are located in Rego Park (Queens), Albany, Syracuse, and Amherst, with satellite offices in Rochester, Poughkeepsie, and Suffern.

Individuals seeking affordable health insurance coverage should contact Fidelis Care toll-free at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.

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