Fidelis Care at Home Expands to Serve NYC, Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady and Montgomery Counties

Managed Long-Term Care Program Provides Cost-effective In-home Care to Individuals With Chronic Illness or Disability

QUEENS, NY (04/02/2012)(readMedia)-- Fidelis Care, the New York State Catholic Health Plan, is pleased to announce that it has received approval from the State of New York to expand its Fidelis Care at Home Managed Long-Term Care program to serve the five boroughs of New York City, as well as four counties in the Capital Region. This innovative program is aligned with initiatives proposed by the New York State Medicaid Redesign Team centering around the provision of cost-effective, in-home care to individuals with chronic illness or disability.

Managed Long-Term Care programs recognize that many individuals are no longer able to live on their own without assistance and are in need of nursing home level of care. These individuals, however, are capable of remaining in their homes if they are provided with a flexible care plan that is tailored to their specific needs, and is overseen by a Nurse Care Manager. In addition to the independence and dignity this approach provides, Managed Long-Term Care is more cost-effective than full-time nursing home care.

Enrollment in Fidelis Care at Home is voluntary for those who qualify. A Fidelis Care Nurse Care Manager will work with the member and their support system (physicians, service providers, and the member's family), to develop a unique plan that addresses the member's individual needs and provides the best health care results possible. In addition to individual care management, members have a choice of primary care physicians, and access to a variety of specialized services and facilities affiliated with Fidelis Care.

Key services provided through Fidelis Care at Home include, but are not limited to: in-home nursing and health aide; physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medical social services in and out of the home; adult day health care or social day care; durable medical equipment and supplies; prosthetics and orthotics; podiatry, dental, audiology, and optometry services; nutrition care including home-delivered meals; and non-emergency transportation. Members are also eligible for nursing home care if subsequently needed.

Fidelis Care at Home has been operational in Orange and Rockland counties for the past several years. The program has grown substantially from an enrollment of 244 members in December 2008 to 436 members in March 2012. Fidelis Care at Home has been well received by members, their families, and care providers, as well as government agencies who oversee managed long-term care. A 2010 review of Fidelis Care at Home, conducted by the New York State Department of Health (SDOH) indicated no deficiencies and cited the program's success in implementing various care management process improvements. It is this track record of success that Fidelis Care at Home will build upon as the program is expanded Statewide. Applications have been submitted to offer Fidelis Care at Home in every county, and are awaiting approval from the SDOH.

To qualify for Fidelis Care at Home, applicants must be 18 years of age or older, be Medicaid eligible, reside in an approved county, and be eligible for nursing home level care. In addition, the applicant must require the plan's services for a period of 120 days or more, and be able to remain in their home without jeopardizing their health or safety.

Fidelis Care also offers free or low-cost health insurance through New York State's Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, and Medicaid Managed Care programs, as well as Medicare Advantage and Dual Advantage programs in various counties.

With more than 747,000 members in 59 counties statewide, Fidelis Care was founded on the belief that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. Members have access to a provider network of more than 48,000 health care professionals statewide. Regional offices are located in Rego Park (Queens), Syracuse, Amherst, and Albany, with satellite offices in Rochester, Poughkeepsie, and Suffern.

For more information on Fidelis Care at Home, call toll-free at 1-800-688-7422 or visit fideliscare.org.

-30-