Effective May 15, 2026, Catholic Health hospitals as well as physicians will no longer participate in the Healthfirst network for Medicaid, HARP, Child Health Plus, Individual Marketplace and Essential Plan coverage.

Over the last several months, Catholic Health has been engaged in good faith negotiations with Healthfirst for several months with the goal of remaining in-network. However, we were unable to reach an agreement that appropriately supports the cost of delivering high-quality care. As a condition of continued participation, Healthfirst requested significant reductions in reimbursement rates, which we could not accept. Despite multiple efforts and reasonable counterproposals, Healthfirst was unwilling to reach agreement on acceptable terms

What this means for you:

  • If you have Medicaid, HARP, Child Health Plus and Essential Plan coverage, Catholic Health services will be considered out-of-network after May 15, 2026
  • NOTE: Patients currently under active treatment may qualify for continuity of care provisions; patients who are receiving a course of treatment, hospitalized, pregnant, or scheduled for a procedure, may continue to receive care with their provider until June 13, 2026. Patients who are pregnant as of March 15, 2026 may continue to receive care for the duration of the pregnancy, including post-partum care. To request this continued care, your provider must contact Healthfirst to request authorization.

You have options: Catholic Health continues to participate with other plans that offer Medicaid, HARP, Child Health Plus and Essential Plan coverage in Nassau and Suffolk counties, including: 

  • Centene (Fidelis)
  • Molina (Affinity)
  • Health Plus
  • UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
  • Emblem

If you are interested in changing insurance coverage to one of these in-network payers, you can contact the New York State of Health Marketplace at 1-855-355-5777 or visit their website at www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov.