Fidelis Care is health insurance, not car insurance

Fidelis Care is a health insurance plan, not an auto insurance company. If you arrived here looking for car insurance information, Fidelis Care won't help you with vehicle coverage, accidents, or liability on the road. It covers medical care — doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and preventive services.

Fidelis Care operates in New York and New Jersey as a not-for-profit health plan. It offers coverage through several routes: Medicaid plans for lower-income individuals and families, Medicare Advantage plans for people 65 and older, and may have access to health plans through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. The type of coverage you get depends on which program you enroll in, not on the company itself.

If you need car insurance, you'll want to look at companies that specialize in auto coverage — State Farm, Geico, Progressive, or your state's assigned risk pool if standard insurers have turned you down. Those are separate from health insurance entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • Fidelis Care is a health insurance company operating in New York and New Jersey, covering medical services rather than vehicle damage or liability.
  • The company offers three main types of plans: Medicaid coverage, Medicare Advantage for seniors, and marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act.
  • Your coverage type depends on your age, income, and which program you enroll in through Fidelis Care.
  • Car insurance and health insurance are separate products; you need to contact auto insurers directly for vehicle coverage.

Medicaid plans through Fidelis Care

Fidelis Care administers Medicaid coverage in New York and New Jersey for people who meet income and asset limits set by each state. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program, so may be able to access rules and covered services vary between the two states. In both, Fidelis Care acts as the managed care organization — you enroll with them, they coordinate your care, and they pay your doctors and hospitals.

Medicaid through Fidelis Care typically covers doctor visits, hospital care, emergency services, prescription drugs, mental health services, and preventive care like vaccinations and screenings. You may have a small copay for some services, but many preventive services have no cost. The exact benefits depend on your state's Medicaid program and which Fidelis plan you're enrolled in.

Medicare Advantage plans from Fidelis Care

If you're 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare, Fidelis Care offers Medicare Advantage plans (also called Part C plans) as an alternative to Original Medicare. These plans bundle hospital coverage, doctor visits, and prescription drug coverage into one plan, often with lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare plus a separate Medigap policy.

Medicare Advantage plans have network restrictions — you typically must use doctors and hospitals in the plan's network, except in emergencies. Fidelis Care's Medicare Advantage plans in New York and New Jersey vary by county, so availability depends on where you live. You can enroll during Medicare's annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year) or when you first turn 65.

Affordable Care Act marketplace plans

Fidelis Care also sells health plans through the ACA marketplace (Healthcare.gov in most states, or the New York State of Health marketplace in New York). These plans are available to anyone under 65 who doesn't have coverage through an employer or government program. You can enroll during the annual open enrollment period (usually November through January) or if you experience a may have access to life event like losing a job or moving.

Marketplace plans come in four metal levels — Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum — that reflect how costs are split between you and the plan. A Bronze plan has lower premiums but higher deductibles; a Platinum plan costs more upfront but covers more of your medical expenses. You may be able to reduce your premium through tax credits if your income falls within certain ranges.

How to contact Fidelis Care about health coverage

If you need to enroll in a Fidelis Care health plan, contact them directly through their website or phone number. For Medicaid plans, you may also be able to enroll through your state's Medicaid office. For Medicare Advantage, you can enroll through Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. For marketplace plans, go through Healthcare.gov or your state's marketplace.

Fidelis Care's customer service can answer questions about what's covered under each plan type, help you understand your benefits, and walk you through the enrollment process. They can also tell you which plans are available in your area and income range.

The difference between health insurance and car insurance

Health insurance and auto insurance serve completely different purposes and are regulated separately. Health insurance covers medical expenses — what you pay doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. Auto insurance covers damage to your vehicle, liability if you injure someone or damage their property while driving, and medical expenses from a car accident.

You need both if you own a car and want health coverage, but they're purchased from different companies and through different programs. Fidelis Care handles only the health side. For car insurance, you'll contact auto insurers directly or work with an insurance agent who specializes in vehicle coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Fidelis Care cover car accidents?

No. Fidelis Care is health insurance and does not cover vehicle damage, liability, or collision. If you're injured in a car accident, your health insurance (including Fidelis Care) may cover your medical treatment, but your auto insurance covers the vehicle damage and liability. You need a separate auto policy for that.

Can I use Fidelis Care if I live outside New York and New Jersey?

No. Fidelis Care operates only in New York and New Jersey. If you live elsewhere, you'll need to enroll in a health plan available in your state through your state's Medicaid program, Medicare, or the ACA marketplace.

How do I know which Fidelis Care plan is right for me?

It depends on your age, income, and whether you may have access to for Medicaid or Medicare. If you're under 65 and don't may have access to for Medicaid, you can shop marketplace plans on Healthcare.gov or the New York State of Health marketplace. If you're 65 or older, you can compare Medicare Advantage plans on Medicare.gov. Fidelis Care's website also has a plan finder tool.

What if I need car insurance but have a Fidelis Care health plan?

You'll need to purchase auto insurance separately from a car insurance company. Contact insurers like State Farm, Geico, Progressive, or your state's insurance commissioner's office for a list of companies that write policies in your area. Having health insurance doesn't affect your ability to get car insurance.