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 marginalized 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 marginalized 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: Partnerships Improve Mammogram Adherence for Women on Medicaid
Blog Post: Better Access to Mental Health Help
Resource: Healthfirst’s Dr. Susan Beane is featured in the book, "Necessary Conversations: Understanding Racism as a Barrier to Achieving Health Equity". The book shares conversations about racial inequities that are essential, difficult and urgent.
News Article: Pat Wang, President and CEO of Healthfirst details how Healthfirst has scaled the components of an effective delivery system, and what remains on her leadership bucket list in HealthLeaders.

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

partnerships improve 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
healthfirst’s best life initiative supports primary care teams to improve blood pressure, diabetes control among underserved patients
Community Health

Learn how Healthfirst’s Best Life initiative helped underserved communities improve hypertension and control diabetes while addressing healthcare provider burnout by setting up care models outside of clinical settings.

Learn more
healthfirst and mount sinai hospital partner to identify and resolve health-harming legal needs for patients
Medical-Legal Health

Healthfirst and Mount Sinai Hospital Partner to Identify and Resolve Health-Harming Legal Needs for Patients

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News & Resources

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