Contact: Emily Fealey, 518-445-3926, efealey@fideliscare.org
Darla Shattenkirk, 518-445-3918, dshatten@fideliscare.org

NORWICH, NY (June 30, 2010) – Fidelis Care is proud to partner with 98.1 The Hawk to sponsor a food drive to benefit the Roots and Wings Program of Catholic Charities of Chenango County.

Non-perishable food and personal care items will be collected on Saturday, July 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Walmart, 5396 State Highway 12, Norwich. Music and entertainment will be provided by The Hawk's radio personality, Don Brake. Event attendees can enter to win a pair of tickets to see Rascal Flatts at the New York State Fair as well as one of 20 pairs of tickets to a Binghamton Mets game.

Catholic Charities of Chenango County Roots and Wings responds to the basic needs of each individual with support, conscious of the individual’s personal values and ability to make change in their lives as they strive for self-sufficiency.

Fidelis Care representatives will also be on site to answer questions about health insurance options and to help eligible residents apply to enroll in Fidelis Care programs.

Fidelis Care offers free or low-cost health insurance through New York State's Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, and Medicaid Managed Care programs. Child Health Plus is for children in New York State under age 19. Coverage may be free or as little as $9 per child per month. Adults ages 19 to 64 may qualify for low-cost health coverage through Family Health Plus based on their household size and gross monthly income. Fidelis Care members are covered for regular checkups, preventive care, hospital and emergency care, eye exams, dental care, and more.

To apply for enrollment in Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, or Medicaid Managed Care through Fidelis Care, please bring proof of age, income, and address.

Fidelis Care, the New York State Catholic Health Plan, is the largest government programs-based health insurance company in New York State. With more than 620,000 members in 50 counties statewide, Fidelis Care was founded on the belief that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. Fidelis Care offers Fidelis Medicare Advantage in 22 counties and Fidelis Dual Advantage for residents eligible for Medicaid and Medicare in 17 counties. Fidelis Medicaid Advantage Plus (MAP) is offered in 9 counties for individuals with both Medicaid and Medicare coverage and who have a chronic illness or disability. Fidelis Care at Home, a managed long-term care program for adults, is available in Orange and Rockland counties.

Fidelis Care members have access to a provider network of more than 40,000 health care professionals statewide. Regional offices are located in Syracuse, Amherst, Albany, and Rego Park (Queens), with satellite offices in Rochester, Poughkeepsie, and Suffern.

Individuals seeking affordable health insurance coverage should contact Fidelis Care toll-free at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit http://www.fideliscare.org.

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