The Fidelis Care Blog

Lunar New Year arrives with the vibrant energy of the Year of the Horse. Beginning on February 17, 2026, it will be celebrated across Asian communities around the world. This festival marks a meaningful moment of renewal as people travel great distances to reunite with their families and honor long-standing traditions. They share hopes that the year ahead will be fulfilling and prosperous.

The Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization (FDRHPO) has successfully completed its one-year pediatric oral health pilot program, funded by a Fidelis Care rural health innovation grant focused on preventive care. The initiative, launched to address persistent barriers to pediatric dental care in the North Country, resulted in substantial increases in preventive oral health services and education.

If you or someone you love has chest pain, going to the emergency room can feel scary. Knowing what will happen can help you feel safer. When you arrive, the doctors and nurses will work fast to check your heart. 1. Quick Check When You Arrive A nurse will ask how you feel and how bad the pain is. If the pain sounds serious, you will be seen right away. They might put a monitor on you to check your heart rate and oxygen. 2. Heart Test (EKG) You will likely get a heart test within 10 minutes. The test is called an electrocardiogram

History is made of fine details that form a much larger picture. These intricate lines and strokes shape who we are. February commemorates the rich Black history that has allowed me to stand in my achievements today. This month reminds me of my mission: to pour into my community.

In 2026, we honor the 100th anniversary of the very first Negro History Week, created in 1926 by historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson. This important week later grew into what we now call Black History Month. Dr. Woodson wanted to make sure that the achievements and stories of Black Americans were recognized, taught, and celebrated across the United States.

Effective August 17th, 2026, Pre- and Post-Decision Peer-to-Peer (P2P) discussions will no longer result in reconsideration of inpatient and post-acute care authorization determinations. Any reconsideration of an adverse coverage determination will instead be managed exclusively through the formal appeals process.

Fidelis Care would like to remind providers of the importance of using the appropriate submission process when requesting an expedited authorization review.

To better protect information and meet state requirements, we’re adding an extra layer of security when you log in to the secure Wellcare and Fidelis Care provider portals. We know logging in is part of your daily workflow, and this update is designed to add security while keeping the process simple and familiar.

Fidelis Care would like to inform providers that we are unable to accept calls from Artificial Intelligence (AI) entities or other automated systems to verify claim status, obtain remittance information, or respond to any other inquiries.

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This observance shines a light on the unique challenges faced by Black, Hispanic, and other communities of color, while calling for action to improve access, trust, and quality of care. At La Casa de Salud, a Fidelis Care behavioral health grant recipient, we focus on the whole person. Mental health shapes how we think, feel, make decisions, and care for ourselves. When mental health is not supported, everything else becomes harder. The Reality: Need Is High, Access Is Not Mental health challenges are common, but care does not reach everyone equally. Black and Hispanic communities