MVP Health Care (MVP) today announced an expansion of its health coverage into eight New York counties: Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Montgomery, and St. Lawrence. Beginning July 1, 2023, residents in these areas can enroll in MVP Medicaid, the Essential Plan, Child Health Plus, or Health and Recovery plans(HARP). This expansion of services will also give MVP customers access to virtual primary and specialty care through Galileo, a first-of-its-kind offering for MVP Medicaid customers in New York State. Previously, Medicaid customers were regulated by the Department of Health to see an in-person primary care physician (PCP).
Accessing high-quality health care can be a challenge for Medicaid enrollees, especially in rural communities. Over the last 18 months, nearly 40% of MVP's Medicaid customers have not seen a PCP, often due to proximity to health care providers, competing demands on time and resources, transportation challenges, and language barriers, exacerbating health care inequities. But for the first time in New York, MVP Medicaid customers will now be able to speak to a primary care doctor at any time of the day or night, via text or video chat, using Galileo's bilingual (Spanish-English) app. With Galileo's on-demand care, no appointment is necessary, shrinking wait times from weeks to minutes and increasing access to care.
“We’re excited to provide expanded access to high-quality, affordable health care for New Yorkers living in these eight counties,” said MVP Health Care’s President and CEO, Chris Del Vecchio. “Offering virtual primary care is a monumental step toward creating an environment that offers our customers equitable choice and convenience in their health care journey. These new options and benefits will meet the unique needs of residents in the regions further solidifying our commitment to the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”
By expanding its service area, MVP will increase its ability to offer great care for individuals, kids, and families. MVP Medicaid, Essential Plan, Child Health Plus and HARP plans include no co-pays for preventive care, including physicals and covered immunizations, $0 virtual care services, access to top doctors and hospitals, coverage for prescriptions, emergency coverage, and more.
“Health insurance should be convenient, supportive, and personal,” said MVP Health Care’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Carl Cameron. “At MVP, we’re continuously adapting to our customer’s needs to provide the best experience possible. As we expand and offer these different plan options to more people across New York, we are making an investment in their current and future health while immediately improving access to care in these counties.”
For more information on MVP’s Medicaid, Essential Plan, Child Health Plus, or HARP plan options, visit https://www.mvphealthcare.com/welcome/coverage or call 1-800-TALK-MVP.
Virtual primary and specialty care for MVP customers is now available by visiting www.galileohealth.com/mvp.
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About MVP Health Care
MVP Health Care is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit health insurer caring for members in New York and Vermont. Committed to the complete well-being of our members and the communities we serve, MVP makes health insurance more convenient, more supportive, and more personal. For more information visit www.mvphealthcare.com or on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.