Our Commitment to Health Equity

At Healthfirst, our commitment to Health Equity means we work tirelessly to ensure everyone has a fair and just opportunity to live a healthy life.

Healthfirst ADVANCE is rooted in the collaborative relationship between Healthfirst and its 15 founding hospital systems, local providers, and community partners.

Together, we champion the health needs of NY’s populations, who have been adversely impacted by disparities in health and social determinants.

As one of the region's largest not-for-profit health plans, we’re committed to building a healthier future for New Yorkers.

ADVANCE encompasses the principles that guide Healthfirst’s equity goals.

Our Commitment to Health Equity

At Healthfirst, our commitment to Health Equity means we are working tirelessly to ensure everyone has a fair and just opportunity to live a healthy life. Healthfirst ADVANCE is rooted in the collaborative relationship between Healthfirst and its 15 founding hospital systems, local providers, and community partners. Together, we champion the health needs of NY’s populations, who have been adversely impacted by disparities in health and social determinants. As one of the region’s largest not-for-profit health plans, we’re committed to building a healthier future for New Yorkers. ADVANCE encompasses the principles that guide Healthfirst’s equity goals.

Latest News

Case Study: Predictive Modeling Lowers Pre-Term Delivery Rates, Increases Prenatal Visits
Blog Post: Provider Spotlight: Faster Identification of Suspected Pancreatic Cancer Increases Access to Trials for Underrepresented Populations and Likelihood of Treatment
News Article: Healthfirst Medical Director, Dr. Maja Castillo, appeared on ABC7’s Tiempo to discuss gaps in healthcare coverage experienced by Latino children and the push to ensure all children age 0-6 in NY have access to continuous health coverage.
Resource: Healthfirst’s Dr. Susan Beane is part of the NYS Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Advisory Council (MMMAC) that reviewed the NYS Report on Pregnancy-Associated Deaths and put forth recommendations.

Healthfirst president and CEO Pat Wang talks about health equity

“Health equity is our obligation …”

ADVANCE encompasses
the principles that guide our equity goals.

Available to all people, with equal opportunity to access quality care.

Data-informed to close gaps in care and support care continuity and coordination.

Value-driven through hospital, physician, and insurer alignment around optimal care.

Accessible when and where help is needed, so everyone is surrounded with opportunities for healthcare access and continuous insurance with no gaps.

Nurturing and human-centered so it is easy to engage with and navigate.

Community-based with strong ties to services and resources that promote whole person care and address social determinants of health.

Evidence-based with the best available clinical expertise and research guiding every treatment plan, care decision, and public-health intervention.

Our Work

Healthfirst works with our network of sponsor hospitals, local healthcare providers, and community organizations to identify and implement evidence-based interventions to improve health equity among our members.

We’ve created programs to reduce health disparities, driven by our 30 years of experience caring for downstate New York.

Through Healthfirst ADVANCE we are continuing to share data, best practices, and stories to ensure healthcare is human-centered and value-driven.

Our Work

Healthfirst works with our network of sponsor hospitals, local healthcare providers, and community organizations to identify and implement evidence-based interventions to improve health equity among our members. We’ve created programs to reduce health disparities, driven by our 30 years of experience caring for downstate New York. Through Healthfirst ADVANCE we are continuing to share data, best practices, and stories to ensure healthcare is human-centered and value-driven.

Case Studies

predictive modeling lowers pre-term delivery rates, increases prenatal visits
Maternal Health

Learn how the Healthfirst Cares Maternity Program deployed predictive models to identify members at high risk of a complicated pregnancy and birth earlier in their pregnancy.

Learn more
improving health outcomes for children through adherence to well-child visits
Social Determinants of Health

A Healthfirst and NYC H+H pilot program showed improvement in the rate of screenings & interventions for young children & their mothers in Black, Hispanic and Asian and Pacific Islander groups

Learn more
improving mammogram adherence for women on medicaid
Women's Health

Learn how Healthfirst successfully partnered with health care providers conducting community outreach to Medicaid members eligible for mammograms to address concerns and help find and schedule screening appointments.

Learn more

News & Resources

View the latest news, updates and headlines about Healthfirst’s commitment to health equity.