According to the new federal health care law, health plans are required to start offering coverage to qualified young adults who are no longer students, starting on the first policy renewal date after Sept. 23. While some employers have already begun coverage for young adults up to age 26, for many plans, that will mean Jan. 1, 2011. That can leave a gap for a lot of graduating college seniors.

If you are a recent graduate, Fidelis Care wants you to know that free or low-cost health coverage is available, regardless of whether or not you can join your parent's plan. And even if you plan to join your parent's plan but cannot do so for a few months, you may still be able to have coverage through Fidelis Care in the meantime.

Through New York State's Family Health Plus program, adults ages 19 to 64 who are residents of New York State and are not eligible for Medicaid may qualify for low-cost health coverage, based on monthly income. Family Health Plus has no monthly premiums, with some co-pays.

Benefits include:

• Regular checkups with your own doctor
• Access to a network of more than 40,000 providers statewide
• Vision and dental care
• Hospital and emergency care
• Screenings to keep you healthy
• Peace of mind with health insurance coverage you can count on and trust

Fidelis Care representatives make it as easy as possible to apply for enrollment. Just call 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) TTY: 1-800-421-1220.