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Back to NewsroomHealthfirst is Making Available a Special Offer to Help Members Stay Connected to their Healthcare
Aug 03, 2021
Participation With Assurance Wireless Federal Lifeline Program Provides Eligible Healthfirst Members with Free Android™ Smartphone and No-Cost Cell Phone Service
NEW YORK, NY, AUGUST 03, 2021 – Healthfirst, the largest not-for-profit health insurer in New York State, is committed to its mission to help its members access high-quality healthcare. As part of that effort, the company is keeping its members connected to healthcare services and providers by participating with Assurance Wireless in the federal Lifeline Program which provides free Android™ smartphones and no-cost cell phone service to those that are eligible .
“If there is one thing that became apparent during the pandemic, it was the importance of access to telehealth services. As we continue to pursue Health Equity, it is our hope that making the Lifeline Program available to eligible members via Assurance Wireless is an all-around win for our members, their physicians, and Healthfirst,” said Errol Pierre, SVP, State Programs at Healthfirst. “Members will also be able to download the Healthfirst member app onto their smartphone to access in-network care (including telehealth), locate nearby essential services, and view digital member information and benefits.”
The Lifeline Program through Assurance Wireless includes:
- 4.5 GB Monthly Data
- Unlimited texting and 1,000 Monthly Minutes
Special extras for Healthfirst members include:
- Feature-loaded Android smartphone
- Healthfirst updates and reminders by text
- Calls to Healthfirst don’t count against monthly minutes
- Use of the Healthfirst NY Mobile App doesn’t count against monthly minutes
Enrollment is available to individuals who qualify based on federal or state-specific eligibility criteria. You may qualify if you are on certain public assistance programs, like Medicaid or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Members can determine eligibility and apply for a free Android smartphone and no-cost cell phone service by visiting healthfirst.org/assurance-wireless-lifeline.
About Healthfirst
Healthfirst is the largest not-for-profit health insurer in New York State, earning the trust of 1.7 million members by ensuring access to affordable and high-quality healthcare. Sponsored by downstate New York’s leading hospital systems, Healthfirst’s unique advantage is rooted in its mission to put members first by partnering closely with its broad network of providers on shared goals. Healthfirst is also a pioneer of the value-based care model, now recognized as a national best practice. For nearly 30 years, Healthfirst has worked with its partners to improve health outcomes through better access to care—especially in underserved communities adversely impacted by disease, health disparities, and socioeconomic barriers to optimal health. Healthfirst has built its reputation in the community for top-quality products and services New Yorkers can depend on. It offers market-leading products to fit every life stage, including Medicaid plans, Medicare Advantage plans, Long-Term Care plans, Qualified Health plans, Essential Plans, and individual and small group plans. Healthfirst serves members in New York City and on Long Island, as well as in Westchester, Rockland, Sullivan, and Orange counties. For more information on Healthfirst, please visit healthfirst.org.
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