Contact: Jayson R. White, Public Relations Coordinator, 518-445-3923

ALBANY – Fidelis Care, the New York State Catholic Health Plan, serving more than 300,000 members in 39 counties across New York State, recently received approval from the Columbia County Department of Social Services to include dental coverage for local residents enrolled in Fidelis Care’s Medicaid managed care program, effective April 1.

Fidelis Care has contracted with Doral Dental USA, a national dental benefits management company that focuses exclusively on government programs, to build a solid selection of dental providers, said Patricia Weafer, Fidelis Care Director of Vendor Oversight.

“In working with Doral, Fidelis Care has established a robust network of dentists, oral surgeons, and pedodontists in Columbia County,” said Weafer, adding that members can also visit dental providers in surrounding counties to access care.

In the state Department of Health (DOH) 2007 report on Managed Care Plan Performance, Fidelis Care tied for first in Annual Dental Visits for children and adolescents ages 2 through 21 years enrolled in Medicaid managed care. The nonprofit health plan’s 52 percent rate in this age group rated significantly better than the statewide average of 44 percent.

Dental coverage through Fidelis Care Medicaid managed care includes: routine dental care (including x-rays), cavity fillings, wisdom teeth removal, root canal procedures, restorations, dentures, and all medically necessary oral surgeries.
 
Fidelis Care offers free or low-cost coverage in the county through New York State’s Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus and Medicaid managed care programs.

Fidelis Care is founded on the belief that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. Through the Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, and Medicaid programs, Fidelis Care members are covered for regular checkups, preventive care, hospital and emergency care, eye exams, dental care, and more. Fidelis Care also offers Medicare Advantage and Dual Advantage programs for eligible senior citizens in the county.

Fidelis Care members have access to a provider network of more than 30,000 health care professionals statewide. Regional offices are located in Albany, Rego Park (Queens), Syracuse, Rochester, and Amherst, with satellite offices in Poughkeepsie and Rochester.

To learn more, call Fidelis Care toll-free at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547).

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