Catholic Health to Exit Healthfirst Network in 2026: Key Impacts for Providers and Patients
04/06/2026
Catholic Health to Exit Healthfirst Network Effective May 15, 2026
Providers affiliated with Catholic Health Physician Partners (CHPP) IPA should be aware of a significant network change taking effect this spring. Catholic Health will no longer participate in the Healthfirst network for Medicaid, HARP, Child Health Plus, and Essential Plan coverage beginning May 15, 2026.
Background
Catholic Health engaged in good-faith negotiations with Healthfirst over several months in an effort to remain in-network. However, the two parties were unable to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Healthfirst's terms included significant reductions to reimbursement rates — conditions that Catholic Health determined would compromise its ability to deliver high-quality care. Despite multiple counterproposals, no resolution was reached.
What Providers Need to Know
Effective May 15, 2026, Healthfirst Medicaid, HARP, Child Health Plus, and Essential Plan members will be considered out-of-network for Catholic Health providers. Practices should not schedule new procedures for Healthfirst patients beyond that date.
Continuity of Care Provisions
Patients currently in active treatment may be eligible for continuity of care protections. The following provisions apply:
- Patients receiving an ongoing course of treatment, those hospitalized, pregnant, or already scheduled for a procedure may continue care with their current provider through June 13, 2026.
- Patients who were pregnant as of March 15, 2026 may continue receiving care for the duration of their pregnancy, including postpartum care.
To access these provisions, providers must contact Healthfirst directly to request authorization.
Alternative Coverage Options
Catholic Health continues to participate with several plans offering Medicaid and Essential Plan coverage. Providers are encouraged to discuss the following options with affected patients:
- Centene (Fidelis)
- Molina (Affinity)
- Health Plus
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
- Emblem
Patients wishing to explore coverage changes can contact the New York State of Health Marketplace at 1-855-355-5777 or visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov.
A Note on IPA Contracts
CHPP IPA holds contracts with both Fidelis and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, both of which include Value-Based Care agreements through the IPA PIIP program. Providers should note that UnitedHealthcare Community Plan VBC enrollment occurs only once per year — new enrollments will not be available until 2027. Fee-for-service rates under this contract remain available in 2026.
Action Steps for Practices
While Healthfirst will notify patients directly, practices are strongly encouraged to proactively reach out to their Healthfirst patient panels to communicate available alternatives and ensure a smooth transition.