ELMIRA, NY (02/01/2012)(readMedia)-- Fidelis Care, The New York State Catholic Health Plan, is pleased to announce that the company recently received approval from the State Comptroller's Office to serve Chemung County residents through the Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, and Medicaid Managed Care programs.

The expansion into Chemung County brings the number of New York counties served by Fidelis Care to 59, with efforts underway to expand into all 62 counties. Approximately 730,000 New Yorkers carry a Fidelis Care membership card, providing them with access to an extensive network of primary care physicians and specialists across the State.

Chemung County is home to more than 8,300 uninsured individuals, including more than 1,700 children under the age of 19 who likely qualify for coverage under Child Health Plus. In addition, only 57% of Chemung County residents who qualify for Medicaid are currently enrolled in this program. Providing New Yorkers with access to quality, affordable health insurance, and treating every member with dignity and respect, is Fidelis Care's mission.

"Fidelis Care looks forward to serving residents of Chemung County," said President and CEO Mark L. Lane. "Working with Bishop Clark and the Diocese of Rochester, it is our goal to make a difference in people's lives, and to provide them with convenient access to the quality care and services they need and deserve. The addition of Chemung County completes Fidelis Care's expansion into the Southern Tier, and our partnerships with providers such as the Guthrie Medical Group, and the Arnot Ogden Medical Center, ensure that our newest members will have access to local providers they know and trust. We want local residents to know that Fidelis Care is here to stay, that we care about the lives of local children and families, and that we will work tirelessly to be an invaluable community health care partner."

To reach local residents who need health insurance, Fidelis Care will work closely with a growing provider network, a variety of local community organizations and leaders, schools, and faith-based entities. Through local events, health fairs, open houses -- even visiting residents at their homes to help them apply -- Fidelis Care representatives make it as easy as possible for people to apply for enrollment, and to recertify their coverage each year.

Natasha R. Thompson, President and CEO of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, said, "The Food Bank of the Southern Tier welcomes Fidelis Care to Chemung County. We have had the pleasure of working with Fidelis Care in Steuben and Schuyler counties, in particular with our mobile food pantries, and know firsthand the difference they have made in the lives of so many of our neighbors in need. The mission and healing ministry of Fidelis Care align perfectly with our efforts, as many low-income families often have to make the difficult choice between paying for medical care or paying for food. We look forward to the opportunity to continue our partnership with Fidelis Care in Chemung County, and wish them great success."

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. Members are covered for regular checkups, preventive care, routine screenings, hospital and emergency care, eye exams, dental care, prenatal care, and more. Fidelis Care also offers a variety of benefit options for seniors through Fidelis Medicare Advantage, Dual Advantage, Medicaid Advantage Plus, and Fidelis Care at Home programs, available in certain counties.

Fidelis Care members have access to a provider network of more than 48,000 healthcare professionals statewide. Regional offices are located in Amherst, Syracuse, Albany, and Rego Park (Queens), with satellite offices in Rochester, Suffern, and Poughkeepsie.

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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Posted Wednesday February 01, 2012 at 09:50 am by Fidelis Care
Last Updated Thursday February 09, 2012 at 11:03 am