The Fidelis Care Blog

Fidelis Care and health care provider Summerwood Pediatrics recently partnered to inform and educate the public about a major change in the health insurance renewal process.  

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government provided New York State with additional federal funding to keep individuals covered under Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Managed Long Term Care. Those individuals now need to act to keep their health insurance.

About nine million New Yorkers with Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Managed Long Term Care coverage, including nearly 4,500 Summerwood Pediatrics patients and two million Fidelis Care members, may be impacted by the change.

To raise awareness and encourage members and patients to act, Fidelis Care and Summerwood Pediatrics held a special renewal information event at Summerwood’s Liverpool location. Megan Woodward, Fidelis Care Vice President of Retention, and Dr. Robert Dracker, Summerwood Pediatrics Medical Director, spoke about the importance of people maintaining their health coverage.

Woodward said, “The renewal rules have changed for Medicaid Managed Care, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan. If you don’t act when your time comes to renew, you risk losing your health insurance. The most important action you can take right now is to make sure that New York State has your updated contact information. When your renewal notice arrives in the mail, do not hesitate to respond. If you have questions or need help with the process, we have people ready to assist. Call us, visit us online, or check out a Fidelis Care community-based office or StreetSide RV visit in your area.”

Fidelis Care representatives were also at the Summerwood Pediatrics event to assist individuals with their health coverage questions. Those interested in learning more about health insurance renewals can visit the Fidelis Care website at fideliscare.org/renew or call 1-866-435-9521 (TTY: 711) Monday-Friday 8:30 AM to 6 PM.