Fidelis Care Invests $130,000 in Maternal Health to Support Mothers Across New York 2 Sep 2:42 PM (last month)
Fidelis Care Awards $130,000 in Maternal Health Grants Across New York
Funding Focused on Postpartum Care and Maternal Mental Health
Fidelis Care, a statewide health plan serving more than 2.4 million members in New York, has awarded $130,000 in maternal health grants to seven providers and organizations. The funding is aimed at supporting programs that improve postpartum care and maternal mental health, with a particular focus on underserved and vulnerable communities across the state.
Leadership Perspective
“Postpartum care and maternal mental health are critical, yet often overlooked parts of a mother’s journey,” said Fidelis Care Chief Medical Officer Dr. Vincent Marchello. He added that the grants represent an important partnership to expand access, improve outcomes, and uplift families. The investment highlights a growing recognition that supporting mothers during and after pregnancy directly impacts community health as a whole.
Grant Recipients
The 2025 Fidelis Care maternal health grant recipients include:
- Divine Harlem, New York City
- Fika Midwifery, Buffalo
- Healthy People Worldwide, Brooklyn
- Mothers and Babies Perinatal Network, Johnson City
- Open Door Family Medical Center, Tarrytown
- The Alex House Project, Brooklyn
- Integrated Community Alternatives Network, Utica
Examples of Impact
The Alex House Project offers parental training, professional development, and community support for at-risk pregnant women and inexperienced young parents under age 25 across New York City’s five boroughs. Founder Samora Coles welcomed the grant, noting it will expand their Parenting Journey and Job Readiness Experience programs. “Investing in the lives of young parents is a gift,” Coles said. “Every day we are privileged to witness the life-changing impact our programming has at the most formative stage in a young family’s life.”
In Johnson City, the Mothers and Babies Perinatal Network provides education and support to pregnant women and new parents, helping connect them with health care, mental health services, and other vital assistance. With the Fidelis Care grant, the organization will expand its depression and anxiety screening program for new mothers. “We are honored by this grant to support new mothers and their families at this critical time,” said Deputy Director Christie Finch. “We will work together to provide the care and support that new moms and their babies need and deserve.”
Why It Matters
Postpartum care and maternal mental health have long been under-addressed. National data underscores the need: the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that one in five pregnancies in the United States is complicated by mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Attendance at postpartum visits remains inconsistent, averaging 72% nationally, and dropping to 57% or lower in vulnerable populations. Access to insurance has been shown to improve attendance, which directly impacts the ability to screen and address both physical and mental health needs after childbirth.
Broader Context
By awarding these grants, Fidelis Care is spotlighting an area of health care that carries long-term consequences for both mothers and infants. Postpartum visits not only address physical recovery but also provide opportunities for early intervention in mental health. For underserved communities—where attendance rates are lowest—initiatives like these can be the difference between stability and long-term struggle.
A Step Toward Health Equity
The decision to allocate resources across multiple regions and organizations reflects a commitment to community-based solutions. By combining clinical care with support services, these grants are designed to address gaps that traditional systems often overlook. For many mothers, this support could mean access to care that would otherwise be out of reach.
Closing Thoughts
Fidelis Care’s $130,000 investment may not solve every challenge in maternal health, but it sends a clear signal: postpartum care and maternal mental health deserve attention, funding, and dedicated programming. The organizations receiving these grants are positioned to make a tangible impact in their communities, offering education, screening, and support where it is most needed. As health care costs rise and families face increasing pressure, targeted initiatives like these represent an important step toward healthier outcomes for mothers and children across New York State.
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How to Cut Medication Costs Without Cutting Your Care 2 Sep 2:40 PM (last month)
How Americans Can Slash Prescription Costs Without Risking Their Health
Medication Costs Force Hard Choices
Prescription drugs are becoming a financial strain for millions of Americans. Rising costs are leaving families to choose between paying rent, buying groceries, or filling life-saving prescriptions. Research shows that 27% of Americans skip prescriptions each month because they cannot afford them. Even more alarming, more than half of all adults filling prescriptions this year said the cost was a burden. One in three reported cutting back on basics like food and clothing just to pay for medicine.
The Risk of Skipping Prescriptions
Skipping doses may feel like a short-term fix, but it’s a dangerous gamble. Health complications can escalate quickly, leading to hospital visits, additional medications, and larger bills. What looks like savings in the moment often becomes a much more expensive problem later. The good news is that there are proven ways to reduce costs without sacrificing treatment.
Price Differences at the Pharmacy Counter
Cindy George, MPH, senior personal finance editor at GoodRx and a respected health journalist, explains that the price of a single prescription can vary widely. “Many people don’t realize there is no single price for a prescription,” George said. “The cost of the same medication can differ by more than $100 between two pharmacies in the same ZIP code.”
Comparison shopping has become a practical necessity. Sites and apps like GoodRx let users type in the drug name, dosage, and location to see real-time prices at nearby pharmacies. These platforms work like travel booking sites—just as you compare flights or hotels, you can now compare medications. With this information in hand, patients can talk with their doctors about cheaper alternatives or generic equivalents.
Insurance Coverage Gaps
Only about half of prescriptions are covered fully by insurance. Even when coverage exists, restrictions such as step therapy, quantity limits, or prior authorizations can drive up out-of-pocket expenses. “More people are finding themselves underinsured,” George said. “That’s making basic health care harder to afford and harder to access.”
Even those with Medicare or Medicaid may find it useful to compare costs. Tools that highlight pharmacy price differences work regardless of coverage status, and can prevent unwelcome surprises at the checkout counter.
Building Cost Literacy
Cost literacy—knowing how to read insurance plans, bills, and pricing tools—is a vital part of staying financially and physically healthy. George encourages people to learn key terms such as premium, deductible, and copay. Reviewing what is covered in your plan can prevent costly mistakes. She suggests free resources like the GoodRx Guide to Drug Costs, hospital cost estimators, and State Health Insurance Assistance Programs for Medicare participants.
Patients should not hesitate to ask questions. A pharmacist, provider, or insurance representative can explain unclear charges or walk through Explanation of Benefits documents. The more informed patients are, the easier it becomes to manage recurring costs.
Practical Savings Strategies
Small adjustments can add up over time. George recommends several steps:
- Always compare insurance copay costs with pharmacy prices. The copay isn’t always the lowest option.
- Look for brand-name savings programs such as manufacturer copay cards or patient assistance programs.
- Ask about generic alternatives, which are usually far less expensive than brand-name drugs.
- Switch to a 90-day supply for chronic conditions, which often reduces the per-dose cost.
- Consider mail-order pharmacies for convenience and potential discounts on repeat prescriptions.
Staying Healthy Without Breaking the Bank
Health care costs show no sign of slowing down. But patients can take control by comparing prices, improving cost literacy, and making consistent use of savings programs. Every dollar saved on prescriptions helps reduce the financial pressure of rising living costs. In a climate where families are forced to make tough choices, these strategies offer a way to protect both health and finances.
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Highmark Health and Abridge Roll Out AI for Faster, Smarter Patient Care 13 Aug 10:16 AM (2 months ago)
Highmark Health and Abridge Partner to Transform Clinical Documentation and Prior Authorization
Highmark Health has announced a wide-scale collaboration with Abridge, a Pittsburgh-based developer of AI technologies for healthcare, to integrate AI-driven clinical documentation and real-time prior authorization into its payer-provider ecosystem. The agreement spans both Highmark’s insurance division and its care provider network, Allegheny Health Network (AHN), which operates 14 hospitals across multiple states.
AI-Powered Clinical Documentation Across AHN
The first step in this initiative is the deployment of Abridge’s ambient clinical intelligence platform in AHN hospitals and outpatient offices. This system captures patient-clinician conversations—with patient consent—through secure devices and generates real-time clinical notes within the clinician’s existing workflow. Providers can review, edit, and submit these notes directly into the patient’s electronic health record (EHR).
By automating what is traditionally a manual process, the platform enables providers to focus more fully on patient interaction rather than typing into a computer. AHN’s pilot program with this technology reported that 92% of patients felt their provider was more attentive during visits when the system was in use. Clinicians also reported significant reductions in after-hours charting, known in the industry as “pajama time.”
Planned Expansion Across Care Settings
While the rollout begins in outpatient practices, AHN intends to expand the technology across its full footprint, including emergency departments, inpatient units, and home care. Physicians, advanced practice providers, and nurses will all have access to the platform once deployment is complete.
Streamlining Prior Authorization at the Point of Care
Beyond documentation, the partnership will advance a real-time prior authorization solution. Prior authorization is the process of obtaining insurance approval before a service or prescription is provided. Delays often occur when required clinical details are missing at the time of submission.
Highmark Health has been refining its electronic prior authorization capabilities through initiatives like its Gold Carding program, which pre-approves physicians with strong practice histories. The new Abridge integration will take this further by identifying missing documentation during the patient encounter itself. Clinicians will be prompted to collect the necessary details before the appointment concludes, enabling immediate or near-immediate approval.
Impact on Patient Care
This approach is designed to reduce delays in care, lower the administrative burden on physicians, and decrease denial rates caused by incomplete information. Physicians remain in control, reviewing all AI-generated recommendations before final submission. Both organizations view this as a way to align insurer and provider expectations in real time, shortening the approval process from weeks to minutes.
Commitment to Innovation in Western Pennsylvania
The collaboration also highlights both organizations’ investment in making Western Pennsylvania a hub for health technology development. Highmark Health’s tech subsidiary, enGen, will be involved in enabling and scaling these AI-driven solutions.
According to Highmark Health’s Chief Analytics Officer, Richard Clarke, PhD, integrating AI into the Living Health model aligns with the company’s mission to improve efficiency, affordability, and patient experience. By combining Abridge’s technology with Highmark Health’s infrastructure, the organizations aim to create a more connected and responsive healthcare system.
The rollout of ambient documentation and real-time prior authorization at scale could represent a shift in how health systems address clinician workload and patient access to timely care. If successful, it may become a model for other integrated payer-provider organizations seeking to streamline both clinical and administrative workflows.
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Fidelis Care’s Guide to a Safe and Healthy School Year 13 Aug 10:14 AM (2 months ago)
Fidelis Care Urges Families to Prepare Kids for a Healthy School Year
As summer wraps up and backpacks start appearing by the door, Fidelis Care is reminding New York families that a smooth start to the school year begins with a focus on health, safety, and emotional readiness. With more than 2.4 million members statewide, the health plan — part of Centene Corporation — is using the back-to-school season to share practical advice that can help set children up for success both inside and outside the classroom.
Five Areas Every Parent Should Address
1. Safety on the Move
Getting to and from school safely is non-negotiable. Whether walking, biking, or taking the bus, children should follow traffic rules, use crosswalks, and wear reflective gear for visibility. Younger children need an adult to accompany them, and older students should walk with friends and keep distractions like phones to a minimum.
2. Building Healthy Habits
Nutrition, exercise, and sleep form the foundation of a productive school day. A balanced breakfast helps maintain focus and energy levels, and daily physical activity supports both physical and mental well-being. Consistent bedtime routines are key for adjusting to earlier mornings.
3. Scheduling Annual Checkups
Pediatric visits are more than just a formality — they ensure that immunizations are current and can reveal vision, hearing, or developmental concerns early on. For families enrolled in Fidelis Care’s Child Health Plus program, these checkups are available at no cost.
4. Supporting Mental Health
Back-to-school anxiety is common, especially for younger students or those starting at a new school. Parents are encouraged to have open conversations about their children’s feelings. If concerns linger or affect daily activities, professional help should be considered.
5. Creating Daily Routines
Predictable schedules give children a sense of security. Setting consistent times for meals, homework, physical activity, and family interaction can help students feel more organized and confident about their day.
Expert Advice from Fidelis Care
Dr. Lisa Moreno, a pediatrician with Fidelis Care, emphasizes that a strong start to the academic year rests on a blend of safety, healthy living, and emotional support. She notes that families who establish healthy patterns early often see better academic and behavioral outcomes as the school year unfolds.
Extra Support for Families
Beyond medical care, Fidelis Care offers assistance to parents through trained representatives who can guide them through the enrollment process for Child Health Plus. Support is available in multiple languages, reflecting the diverse communities the organization serves.
Back-to-school season can be hectic, but preparation in key areas can make the transition far smoother. By focusing on safety, nutrition, health checkups, emotional well-being, and structured routines, families can give their children the best chance to start strong and stay on track throughout the year.
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Did You Pay for Health Insurance in Northern California? You Could Be Owed Money 9 Jul 5:31 PM (3 months ago)
Health insurance in Northern California might have cost you more than it should have. And now, you might be getting some of it back.
Sutter Health has agreed to settle a long-running class action lawsuit—Sidibe, et al. v. Sutter Health—for $228.5 million. The case centered around accusations that Sutter used restrictive contract terms with major insurance companies, which allegedly led to inflated hospital costs and, eventually, higher premiums for patients and employers. Sutter denies any wrongdoing, and no court ruled against them. But both sides agreed to settle rather than continue through another phase of litigation.
Who This Impacts
This isn’t some niche legal fight. This affects a huge swath of the population. If you lived or worked in certain counties in Northern California between 2011 and early 2021, and you paid premiums to Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Health Net, or United Healthcare, you may qualify for a payment.
What You Need to Have Done
To qualify, all of the following must be true:
- You paid premiums for a fully-insured health plan from one of the five insurers listed above.
- You made those payments sometime between January 1, 2011, and March 8, 2021.
- You either lived or worked in one of 34 listed California counties during that time—or you were an employer with an office in one of them.
The list of counties covers much of Northern California. It includes places like San Francisco, Alameda, Sacramento, Sonoma, San Mateo, Contra Costa, Marin, and Placer, among others.
The full list can be found at SutterHealthPremiumLawsuit.com.
How Much You Could Receive
The exact amount isn’t yet known. It depends on how many people file valid claims. After covering legal fees, administrative costs, and small awards to the six plaintiffs who represented the class, the rest of the $228.5 million fund will be distributed to eligible individuals and employers who submit claims.
So, if you want a piece of the payout, you have to act.
How to File a Claim
You can file online at SutterHealthPremiumLawsuit.com. You can also download a paper form or call 1-833-961-3465 to request one by mail.
All claims must be submitted—or postmarked—by September 12, 2025.
No claim, no check. It’s that simple.
What if You Opted Out?
If you previously excluded yourself from the class (the opt-out deadline was March 8, 2021), then this doesn’t apply to you. You won’t get a payment, and you can’t object to the settlement.
If you didn’t opt out, you are automatically included. You’re bound by the settlement, whether you file a claim or not. But if you want to object to any part of it, you can do so by mailing your objection no later than August 28, 2025.
Next Steps in Court
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California will hold a Fairness Hearing on November 6, 2025, in San Francisco. The judge will decide whether to approve the settlement, legal fees, and other administrative costs.
If the court approves the deal—and there are no delays—payments should follow.
Why This Matters
This isn’t a niche billing issue or a narrow legal matter. This is about years of health insurance premiums that may have been artificially high. The settlement could return some of that money to people and businesses who paid the price. For many, that refund won’t erase the frustration. But it might help cover a few of those co-pays that felt too high for too long.
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Careington Taps e123 to Supercharge Broker Sales With Discount Plans 9 Jul 5:30 PM (3 months ago)
Careington International Corporation has made a significant move this week. The long-running health benefits company, founded in 1979, is now partnering with insurtech firm e123. The goal: make it easier for brokers to offer noninsurance savings plans to their clients, all from one application.
e123 isn’t just another admin system. It’s a tool that lets insurance marketers, FMOs (Field Marketing Organizations), IMOs (Independent Marketing Organizations), brokers, and carriers enroll clients, process billing, and handle commissions in one place. Adding Careington to that system creates new possibilities for agents—and potentially millions of consumers.
The Products Getting Plugged Into the Platform
Three Careington savings plans are now live within e123’s Distribution Management System (DMS). Each one is focused on access and affordability:
Dental Savings Plan
Covers dental services and includes teledentistry support.
Dental and Vision Savings Plan
Combines dental, vision, LASIK, hearing, and teledentistry.
Virtual Primary Care Savings Plan
Offers virtual doctor visits, urgent care, psychiatry and counseling, prescription savings, and even pet health guidance.
Brokers using the platform can offer these as add-ons or standalones—or combine them with insurance products for a mixed package that works for different budgets and client needs.
Automation That Actually Works
One of the biggest challenges in selling noninsurance benefits has always been the paperwork. With this partnership, that friction point drops significantly. Setup, enrollment, reporting, billing, and commissions can all be handled through e123’s platform. That matters—especially for teams selling at scale.
Stewart Sweda, CEO of Careington, said it directly: “We’re proud to deepen the breadth of e123’s competitive nontraditional product offerings.”
Brendan McLoughlin, e123’s President, echoed that: “We’re excited to partner with Careington… providing e123 clients access to a suite of important products and services.”
Data With Teeth
The Careington-e123 connection isn’t just about sales tools. It also adds reporting horsepower. Real-time dashboards now give Careington and its agents clear visibility into plan engagement and performance. That means fewer surprises, more informed decisions, and better resource allocation for teams looking to scale.
Why This Matters
Careington has been serving up health savings products for over four decades. Their reach now spans more than 30 million members across 12 brands. Adding their plans to a platform like e123—which already supports major health plans and national broker networks—doesn’t just simplify things for brokers. It widens the distribution funnel considerably.
Agents can now enroll clients in a dental or vision savings plan without juggling five systems or waiting on back-office delays. For consumers, that means faster access to care and often, lower out-of-pocket costs.
What’s Next
Careington is actively recruiting brokers interested in offering these plans. Those interested can reach out directly at brokers@careington.com or visit careington.com for more information.
This isn’t just another partnership announcement. It’s a calculated move to make noninsurance benefits more accessible and easier to sell—without all the red tape. It connects proven benefit plans with a platform that understands how brokers actually work.
And in a benefits industry still prone to slow-moving systems and unnecessary hoops, that alone is worth paying attention to.
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Illinois Medicaid Kids Get 24/7 Pediatric Care—No Appointment, No Waiting Room 17 Jun 10:08 AM (4 months ago)
Aetna Better Health of Illinois has teamed up with Summer Health to do something simple but powerful: give families immediate access to pediatricians without the drive, the waiting room, or the out-of-pocket cost. And it’s already rolling out statewide.
The partnership officially launched this week, making Aetna the first Managed Care Organization (MCO) in Illinois to offer this digital pediatric care service to its youngest Medicaid members. The service comes at no cost to families and promises to reduce trips to emergency rooms and urgent care clinics by getting ahead of problems before they balloon.
Why It Matters
Parents know the drill—your kid spikes a fever or breaks out in a rash and you’re stuck playing phone tag with the doctor’s office. Sometimes you wait days for an appointment or spend your evening in an ER waiting room for something that could’ve been handled in five minutes.
This initiative wipes out those delays. Summer Health connects parents with board-certified pediatricians in under three minutes, through a secure digital platform. No scheduling. No waiting. No cost.
The Bigger Picture: Fewer ER Visits, Less Stress
Aetna Better Health of Illinois serves more than 360,000 Medicaid members across 102 counties. That’s a lot of families who now have a quicker, easier way to get medical advice and treatment for their kids—especially when time is tight and options are few.
By giving families fast access to care, this partnership aims to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits. That means lower healthcare costs, fewer insurance claims, and less disruption for parents who might otherwise miss work. It also frees up hospital emergency departments to focus on real emergencies.
Health Access That Fits Family Life
The real magic here is in the convenience. Parents can ask questions and get treatment advice while sitting on the couch, without scrambling for childcare or leaving work early.
Rushil Desai, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Illinois, summed it up well: “Instant access to pediatricians is not just a convenience. It’s a step toward a healthier future for our children and less stress for their families.”
Summer Health’s founder and CEO, Ellen DaSilva, echoed that sentiment: “This collaboration helps us remove the roadblocks that keep families from getting timely care.”
What Summer Health Brings to the Table
Summer Health offers around-the-clock access to licensed pediatricians, with a response time that beats most pizza deliveries. Their team also includes specialists in areas like lactation, sleep, nutrition, and behavior. Bilingual support is built in, which makes a big difference for many families across Illinois.
Parents can enroll directly at summerhealth.com, where they’ll find help for common issues like coughs, fevers, stomach bugs, allergies, and more.
What’s Ahead
With this move, Aetna Better Health of Illinois and Summer Health are changing how families experience healthcare. They’re not adding another layer—they’re removing the wait, the drive, the cost, and the guesswork.
It’s fast. It’s free. And it’s already helping parents get answers when they need them most.
This is a practical step that meets families where they are—busy, overwhelmed, and short on time. And it might just be the model for what Medicaid pediatric care should look like across the country.
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Independence Blue Cross and CHOP Lock In Multi-Year Deal to Expand Pediatric Care Access 17 Jun 10:06 AM (4 months ago)
Independence Blue Cross (IBX) and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have signed a new agreement that goes into effect July 1, 2025. This multi-year deal guarantees continued access to CHOP’s pediatric services for families covered under IBX health plans and sets the stage for deeper coordination between the two organizations.
The partnership isn’t new. IBX and CHOP have worked together for decades. Their last formal agreement was finalized in 2020. Since then, the two have collaborated on multiple healthcare initiatives, including a program to provide access to gene-based therapies for IBX members.
Now, they’re doubling down on that partnership. The latest agreement broadens their scope, prioritizing care coordination and exploring new approaches to value-based care—payment models that tie provider compensation to outcomes rather than volume.
What the Agreement Means for Families
The agreement ensures that patients with IBX coverage can continue to receive care at CHOP without disruption. That includes both primary care and specialty services offered across CHOP’s network, which spans over 50 pediatric locations throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
In short: no change in where families can go, and no new hurdles in getting care. For those already working with CHOP physicians, nothing gets interrupted.
A Shared Focus on Long-Term Outcomes
IBX has made pediatric health a central part of its long-term care strategy. That focus is reflected in comments made by Dr. Richard Snyder, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at IBX.
He noted that CHOP plays a critical role in the local healthcare landscape and reaffirmed IBX’s intention to invest in outcomes, not just access. “Together, we are shaping a healthier future for the next generation,” Snyder said.
CHOP echoed that position. Madeline Bell, the hospital’s CEO, emphasized the importance of expanding access to emerging treatments and advanced clinical care. “This agreement will help us deliver on that mission and ensure that more children can benefit from CHOP’s care,” she said.
Working Together Beyond the Contract
One of the most visible signs of their collaboration is the Advanced Network for Gene-Based Therapeutics. This program links IBX members to leading-edge treatments for rare and inherited diseases. CHOP, which has a strong national reputation in pediatric research and innovation, is a key contributor to this network.
With the new agreement, the two organizations plan to build on that foundation—adding programs that improve care coordination, streamline patient experiences, and bring data-driven care strategies into the pediatric space.
About the Organizations
Independence Blue Cross
Based in southeastern Pennsylvania, IBX has provided health insurance and wellness programs for over 85 years. The company works with hospitals and doctors to reward quality over quantity, and invests in services that encourage proactive, coordinated healthcare.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Founded in 1855, CHOP was the first pediatric hospital in the United States. Today, it operates one of the largest pediatric research programs in the country and offers a full range of care—from emergency services to behavioral health—across its extensive network. That includes the Middleman Family Pavilion in King of Prussia and its behavioral health facilities throughout the region.
Why This Deal Matters
This agreement is more than a paperwork renewal. It protects access to care for families across the region, deepens coordination between providers and insurers, and opens new channels for clinical innovation. With this deal in place, both IBX and CHOP have made it clear they’re planning ahead—not just for this year, but for the health of Philadelphia’s children for years to come.
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Study Reveals Most Kids Hospitalized for Allergic Reactions Could Be Home in Two Hours 10 Jun 2:54 PM (4 months ago)
Most children treated in emergency departments for severe allergic reactions could be heading home far sooner than they are. That’s the message from a new study led by experts at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, published June 10 in Lancet: Child and Adolescent Health.
Based on more than 5,600 cases across 31 hospitals in the U.S. and Canada, the findings point to a disconnect between perceived risk and actual outcomes. Nearly every child in the study was treated with epinephrine—commonly administered via injector pens like EpiPen—and then kept for hours, sometimes overnight, for observation.
But according to the study, 95% of these children could have been safely discharged within two hours of their initial treatment. Extend the window to four hours, and that number rises to 98%.
Why Are Children Being Held So Long?
Emergency departments often err on the side of caution. A small subset of children—about 5%—experience what’s called a biphasic reaction. Symptoms subside after the first epinephrine dose, only to return hours later. This variability has led to widely differing observation practices.
“We used to admit almost all kids with anaphylaxis,” said Dr. Tim Dribin, the study’s lead author and a physician in emergency medicine at Cincinnati Children’s. “Most hospitals still observe kids for four hours or more, especially if the initial symptoms include cardiovascular signs like low blood pressure.”
But the data tells a more precise story. Out of the 5,641 children tracked in the study, only 1.9% required a second dose of epinephrine beyond four hours. The majority of second doses were administered within two hours—suggesting that long observation times may often be unnecessary.
Breakdown of Triggers and Severity
About 90% of the allergic reactions stemmed from food allergens. Peanuts, milk, eggs, shellfish, sesame, soy, gluten—you name it. A small percentage involved medications (6%) or insect stings (3%).
Roughly 1% of the cases were severe enough to require advanced care like ventilation. For the rest, hospital admission often didn’t lead to additional treatment. They were simply monitored, just in case.
When grouped by symptom severity, children without cardiovascular signs showed extremely low risk of late-phase reactions. Those with such signs still had a low probability of needing more epinephrine after four hours.
What This Means for Hospitals
Every hour a hospital bed is occupied unnecessarily means one less bed for someone else who might need it.
“Pediatric emergency departments get stretched thin, especially in peak infection season,” said Dr. David Schnadower, director of emergency medicine at Cincinnati Children’s. “This study helps clear a path for faster decision-making.”
Faster discharges mean less congestion. But it also means a smoother experience for families. Parents can get back to work. Kids don’t miss as much school. Everyone avoids a long night in an ER waiting room.
Why Families Avoid the ER
The long wait is more than an inconvenience. According to Dr. Hugh Sampson, an allergist at Mount Sinai, some families avoid seeking care because they fear spending hours in the hospital. That hesitation can be dangerous.
“This kind of data might change the equation,” Sampson said. “If parents know they’ll likely be home in two hours, they may be more likely to seek timely help.”
Dribin agrees. “This isn’t about rushing people out the door. It’s about offering informed choices,” he said. “Some families may want to stay longer. Others may feel comfortable going home if they’ve got another injector and clear instructions.”
A Better Way to Manage Risk
What this study offers is not a blanket rule, but a framework. Emergency clinicians still need to consider individual risk. But with evidence drawn from thousands of cases, they now have stronger footing to make those calls.
There’s no single formula that fits every family. But more data means better conversations between doctors and parents—and fewer children spending unnecessary hours in hospital beds.
Final Thought
This study brings clarity to a fuzzy standard of care. It doesn’t push hospitals to take shortcuts. It asks them to be smarter with time. For families juggling school, work, and chronic health worries, that could make all the difference.
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Fidelis Care Launches Major Grant Push to Fix Gaps in Postpartum Mental Health Care 10 Jun 2:51 PM (4 months ago)
Fidelis Care, a New York-based health plan serving over 2.4 million members, has officially opened the application window for its 2025 maternal health grant program. This year’s funding effort is focused on improving postpartum care and maternal mental health, especially in communities where access remains limited.
The application deadline is 5 p.m. ET on July 8, 2025. Providers and organizations can apply now through the official portal at fideliscare.org/maternal-grant.
Postpartum Mental Health: A Public Health Weak Spot
Mental health disorders remain one of the leading health issues tied to pregnancy, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Conditions such as postpartum depression and anxiety impact one in five new mothers in the U.S. each year. These aren’t rare edge cases—they’re everyday realities.
Despite the clear need, postpartum care attendance remains inconsistent. National averages hover around 72%, but those rates drop significantly for underserved communities. For example, at Federally Qualified Health Centers, up to 43% of new mothers skip postpartum checkups entirely.
That’s where access to care—and the insurance to support it—makes a measurable difference. Having coverage increases the likelihood that mothers will attend follow-up visits, where both physical recovery and mental health concerns can be addressed before they become crises.
A Call for Innovation
Fidelis Care’s grant initiative encourages providers and nonprofits to get creative. The company is seeking proposals that introduce practical, scalable solutions that will increase postpartum care access or improve outcomes related to maternal mental health.
Eligible applicants include hospitals, clinics, nonprofits, and local health initiatives across New York State. Programs should have a strong focus on outreach to vulnerable or underserved groups—populations that often lack the time, resources, or awareness to seek follow-up care after childbirth.
Dr. Vincent Marchello, Chief Medical Officer at Fidelis Care, put it plainly: “Supporting mothers after childbirth is just as vital as caring for them during pregnancy.” He added that improving access to postpartum services strengthens not just the individual but the entire family structure.
What the Grants Aim to Fund
While there are no hard limitations on program design, the grant guidelines prioritize projects that:
- Increase postpartum appointment attendance
- Provide mental health screenings or services for new mothers
- Expand community-based education or care navigation
- Offer support that bridges gaps in insurance or transportation
- Leverage digital tools to extend care beyond clinical settings
Fidelis Care plans to review submissions through July and announce the selected recipients in August.
Fidelis Care is part of Centene Corporation and operates across New York with a focus on delivering quality, affordable health coverage to residents at every stage of life. The organization has long emphasized access to care in historically underserved areas and maintains a wide member base ranging from children to seniors.
More information is available through their main website or by calling 1-888-FIDELIS.
This grant program isn’t just a funding opportunity—it’s a signal. Fidelis Care is inviting healthcare leaders to stop treating postpartum care as an afterthought. Mental health issues linked to childbirth are well-documented, and participation rates in postpartum follow-up are still lagging. For providers and organizations across New York, this is a clear chance to build real solutions with real backing.
New York doesn’t need another report. It needs action. Fidelis Care is putting money on the table. The question now is who will step up to take it.
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