Healthy Resources

Asthma & Allergies

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Behavioral Health

Healthfirst Behavioral Health Services – New Appointment Wait Times (starting July 1, 2025)

The New York State has issued new rules about how quickly members should be able to get appointments for behavioral health services.

Appointment Wait Time Standards:

  • 10 business days for your first appointment at an outpatient clinic or facility
  • 10 business days for your first appointment with a provider not at an in-network outpatient clinic or facility
  • 7 calendar days for an appointment after a hospital discharge or ER visit

These wait times also apply to telehealth visits unless you ask for an in-person visit.

If You Can’t Get an Appointment in Time

If you can't find an in-network provider who can see you within the timeframes listed above, you can file an Access Complaint:

  • Call: Member Services at 1-866-463-6743
  • Mail:
    Appeals and Grievances Department Healthfirst,
    P.O. Box 5166
    New York, NY 10274-5166

Once we receive your complaint, we will take within three business days to:

  1. Find an in-network provider who can treat you,
  2. Make sure they can see you within the required time, and
  3. Ensure they're within a reasonable distance if you want an in-person visit.

If we can’t do this, you’ll be allowed to see an out-of-network provider at your in-network benefit level.

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Cancer

Staying Healthy

About Colorectal Cancer
Breast Cancer Risk and Prevention
Cervical Cancer Prevention
Cervical Cancer Prevention
Colorectal Cancer Screening Fact Sheet
Colorectal Screening. If you’re over 50, you should be getting checked regularly for colon cancer. Find out how below.
Get Checked for Breast Cancer
Get Screened for a Healthier Life: Early Detection and Prevention of Colon Cancer
Pap and HPV Tests
Pap Tests (Smears) Save Lives. Get Checked for Cervical Cancer!
Prostate Cancer Screening. A Decision Guide
Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
What is Skin Cancer?

Cancer

Colorectal Screening. If you’re over 50, you should be getting checked regularly for colon cancer. Find out how below.

Colon Cancer

About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer Screening Fact Sheet
Get Screened for a Healthier Life: Early Detection and Prevention of Colon Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer Screening. A Decision Guide

Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Risk and Prevention
Get Checked for Breast Cancer
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Children's Health

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Dental Care

Staying Healthy

Dental Care, Guide to a Healthy Smile
Oral Health Matters. Keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy

Prenatal Care

Oral Health Matters. Keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy
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Diabetes

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Maternal Health

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Men's Health

Staying Healthy

About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer Screening Fact Sheet
Colorectal Screening. If you’re over 50, you should be getting checked regularly for colon cancer. Find out how below.
Eat Healthy – Choose My Plate
Get Screened for a Healthier Life: Early Detection and Prevention of Colon Cancer
Prostate Cancer Screening. A Decision Guide
Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
What is Skin Cancer?

Cancer

Colorectal Screening. If you’re over 50, you should be getting checked regularly for colon cancer. Find out how below.

Colon Cancer

About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer Screening Fact Sheet
Get Screened for a Healthier Life: Early Detection and Prevention of Colon Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer Screening. A Decision Guide
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Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

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