Latest news with #Healthfirst
Business Wire
13 hours ago
- Health
- Business Wire
Healthfirst Ranked #1 in Quality Among New York State Medicaid Plans
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Healthfirst, a leading not-for-profit health plan serving more than two million New Yorkers, has been recognized as the top-performing Medicaid Managed Care plan in New York State's Department of Health Medicaid Quality Incentive Program results for 2023, which were released in August 2025. Out of 12 participating plans statewide, Healthfirst achieved the highest rating for quality of care, underscoring its effectiveness in delivering access to coordinated, community-based care through its extensive provider network. For the past three years, Healthfirst has achieved tier one performance in the annual Medicaid Quality Incentive Program results and in 2023 received the highest ranking among all plans. Share For the past three years, Healthfirst has achieved tier one performance in the annual Medicaid Quality Incentive Program results and in 2023 received the highest ranking among all plans. Key drivers in the 2023 measurement year results include behavioral health programming designed to meet members' needs, as well as ongoing efforts to enhance member experience. In addition, Healthfirst members rated our health plan above the statewide average in New York's Medicaid Adult member satisfaction survey. 'Healthfirst's number one ranking reflects how we are delivering on our not-for-profit mission in partnership with our provider network of top-notch medical centers, doctors, and community physicians who are integral to our communities,' said Pat Wang, President and CEO of Healthfirst. 'For more than 30 years, Healthfirst has earned the trust of members by putting their needs first and making health insurance easier to understand – grounded in our belief that all New Yorkers deserve the highest-quality care.' The New York State Medicaid Quality Incentive Program evaluates health plans based on nationally recognized quality measures and health outcomes. These measures include preventive care; management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and cancer; maternity and postpartum care; behavioral health; and developmental screenings for children and adolescents. A plan's performance in the program indicates the quality of care provided to its members relative to all plans in the Medicaid Managed Care market. The program uses multiple data sources to determine results, including: 2023 Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) and Quality Assurance Reporting Requirements (QARR) data (measurement year 2023); The most recent Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey for Medicaid (administered in fall 2023 with results released in May 2024); and Regulatory compliance information from 2022 and 2023. About Healthfirst Healthfirst believes that every New Yorker deserves access to the best available healthcare. As one of New York's highest-quality health insurers, we make this a reality for more than two million members. Founded more than 30 years ago by the leading hospital systems in downstate New York, Healthfirst established a partnership model that enables hospitals, health systems, and physicians in our network to prioritize health outcomes over profits, placing the needs of our members and community first. Healthfirst serves members in New York City, on Long Island, and in Westchester, Rockland, Sullivan, and Orange counties, offering market-leading products to suit every life stage. Our offerings include Medicaid plans, Medicare Advantage plans, Child Health Plus plans, Essential Plans, Long-Term Care plans, and Qualified Health plans. For more information on Healthfirst, please visit
Business Wire
26-06-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Healthfirst Receives Award for Program at High-Volume Substance Use Facilities Supporting Members' Transition Back to Communities
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Healthfirst, one of New York's highest quality health insurers, has received the prestigious Case Management Practice Improvement Award from the Case Management Society of America Foundation. The award recognizes Healthfirst's Behavioral Health Case Management program which was developed to address the needs of members with substance use disorder as they return to their communities and continue their recovery following inpatient stays. The program has driven a sustained 14% reduction in readmission rates at both 30- and 90-days post-discharge – ensuring that highest risk members receive the compassionate, coordinated care they need to stay out of the hospital and in recovery. Many of Healthfirst's members living with substance use disorders face barriers in receiving the outpatient care they need to avoid readmission. In fact, 44% of those admitted to the hospital for substance abuse diagnoses are readmitted within 30 days of discharge, and 50% visit the emergency department. To address these challenges, Healthfirst launched an in-person care model that embeds licensed behavioral health clinicians and certified peer support specialists in the highest-volume substance use treatment facilities in the greater New York City area. These care teams engage with members face-to-face during their inpatient stay and continue working with them after discharge to remove barriers to outpatient care, assess social determinants of health, and help members stay on track with their recovery goals. 'A key element of the Behavioral Health Case Management program's success is connecting with members face-to-face during their inpatient stay, often at one of the most difficult times in their recovery,' said Stella V. Pappas, Vice President, Behavioral Health Services at Healthfirst. 'This in-person engagement is essential to earning our members' trust and creates a foundation for ongoing support which helps ensure members are not navigating their recovery alone. For example, our care managers and peer support specialists can understand the member's individual needs and challenges they may face in their recovery and identify solutions that enable them to continue to receive outpatient care and prevent readmission.' 'At a time when the need for behavioral health care is rising, programs like this show what's possible when innovation is grounded in compassion, accountability, and a deep understanding of our members' needs,' said Pat Wang, President and CEO of Healthfirst. 'At Healthfirst, we know that all healthcare is personal, and it is crucial to meet people where they are in a way that feels authentic to them, which is why this integrated approach to behavioral health case management underpinned by data-driven insights has proven effective in reducing readmissions.' The CMSA Foundation award highlights Healthfirst's continued leadership in advancing behavioral healthcare and reinforces its commitment to delivering compassionate, coordinated services that improve outcomes and reduce preventable hospitalizations. For more information or to view the full case study, visit here. About Healthfirst Healthfirst believes that every New Yorker deserves access to the best available healthcare. As one of New York's highest quality health insurers, we make this a reality for more than 2 million members. Founded more than 30 years ago by the leading hospital systems in downstate New York, Healthfirst established a partnership model that enables hospitals, health systems, and physicians in our network to prioritize health outcomes over profits, placing the needs of our members and community first. Healthfirst serves members in New York City, on Long Island, and in Westchester, Rockland, Sullivan, and Orange counties, offering market-leading products to suit every life stage. Our offerings include Medicaid plans, Medicare Advantage plans, Long-Term Care plans, Qualified Health plans, and Essential Plans. For more information on Healthfirst, please visit
Business Wire
26-04-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Healthfirst Scores Westchester Soccer Club Sponsorship in Inaugural Season
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of Healthfirst's commitment to our local communities, the company is sponsoring the Westchester Soccer Club (WSC), the first professional soccer team in Westchester County. WSC launched in March 2025 as part of USL League One and was founded on a vision to unite and uplift the area through soccer. Healthfirst will support a wide range of initiatives to strengthen WSC's engagement with the surrounding community, including local youth programs and wellness initiatives. Healthfirst will support a wide range of initiatives to strengthen WSC's engagement with the surrounding community, including local youth programs and wellness initiatives. Share 'At Healthfirst we meet our members where they are and we know that soccer is a passion that unites communities and bridges generations,' said Bill Abrams, Vice President of Brand & Marketing Communications at Healthfirst. 'We look forward to connecting with WSC fans and continuing to support the Westchester community.' "We are excited to welcome Healthfirst to the WSC family," said WSC Principal Owner Mitch Baruchowitz. "Healthfirst's dedication to strengthening communities by enabling access to high-quality healthcare aligns perfectly with our focus on building local pride and healthier, more active lifestyles.' Key Aspects of the Sponsorship: Local Community Celebrations: Healthfirst will sponsor in-stadium theme nights to celebrate the local culture and promote health and wellness in the community. Youth and Family Engagement: The collaboration includes opportunities for community-based youth-focused and family events that encourage healthy habits and physical activity. Community Health Access: Healthfirst will host health and wellness stations at the Stadium at Memorial Field (Mount Vernon, N.Y.) to engage fans and families and will provide on-site educational resources at WSC home games and community events. Westchester Soccer Club season tickets and more information about the team and Memorial Field in Mount Vernon are available at To learn more about Healthfirst's health coverage options, visit About Healthfirst Healthfirst believes that every New Yorker deserves access to the best available healthcare. As one of New York's highest quality not-for-profit health insurers serving two million New Yorkers, we make this a reality for our members. Founded more than 30 years ago by the leading hospital systems in downstate New York, Healthfirst established a partnership model that enables hospitals, health systems, and physicians in our network to prioritize health outcomes over profits, placing the needs of our members and community first. Healthfirst serves members in New York City, on Long Island, and in Westchester, Rockland, Sullivan, and Orange counties, offering market-leading products to suit every life stage. Our offerings include Medicaid plans, Medicare Advantage plans, Child Health Plus plans, Essential Plans, Long-Term Care plans, and Qualified Health plans. For more information on Healthfirst, please visit About Westchester Soccer Club Westchester Soccer Club is the area's first homegrown professional sports team. Playing in USL League 1, the club is dedicated to celebrating the region's profound love for soccer through exciting game experiences and community-focused events. With a strong commitment to nurturing local talent, WSC aims to build a world-class developmental pipeline for both boys and girls in Westchester. For information on season tickets, half-season plans, mini-plans, and group tickets, please visit
