As the school year begins with many North Country children needing physicals and updated immunizations, Fidelis Care, the New York State Catholic Health Plan, reminds parents that free or low-cost health insurance coverage is available to almost all children through the New York State-sponsored program, Child Health Plus.

“It is critical for all children to receive regular medical care,” said Fidelis Care Chief Marketing Officer Pamela Hassen. “Children who have health insurance are more likely to see a doctor for routine exams and when they are sick. Child Health Plus makes that possible.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau 2012 American Community Survey, more than 160,000 children in New York are uninsured. Child Health Plus coverage is offered for children up to the age of 19, and enrollment is year-round. Coverage may be free or there may be a modest monthly premium, depending on household size and income. Regular health checkups; immunizations; routine dental and eye care; prescription medications; hospital inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care; surgery and much more are completely covered with no copayment or deductible.

Fidelis Care provides Child Health Plus coverage for more than 70,000 children in New York State. For the third year in a row, Fidelis Care’s Child Health Plus is the number one plan in quality and member satisfaction, based on the New York State Department of Health Consumer Guides to Managed Care.

For more information about Child Health Plus or to apply for enrollment, call 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org. About Fidelis Care:

As the New York State Catholic Health Plan, Fidelis Care offers quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life, including products available through NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace. With more than one million members in 61 counties Statewide, Fidelis Care was founded on the belief that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. For more information, call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.