BackNo One Knows New Yorkers Better Than We Do
For more than 25 years, Healthfirst has been serving New Yorkers. We helped pioneer the value-based healthcare model—where hospitals and physicians are paid based on patient outcomes—because our company was founded on the belief that insurers need to be true partners in the health system.
We’ve grown into New York’s largest not-for-profit health insurer, offering high-quality, affordable plans to fit every life stage, including Medicaid plans, Medicare Advantage plans, long-term care plans, qualified health plans, and individual and small group plans. We proudly serve members in New York City and on Long Island, as well as in Westchester, Sullivan, Orange, and Rockland counties.
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1.8
Million Members
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40,000+
Providers
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80+
Participating Hospitals
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23
Community Offices
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4,500
Employees
Good Health Takes Community Commitment
From neighborhood health fairs to our Wellness Partnership with Citi Bike®, it takes dedication to community relationships to make access to healthcare better for New Yorkers. We strive to help our members navigate the healthcare system, and we work in partnership with hundreds of local organizations to promote healthier, active communities.
Our Leadership
Our executives lead a team of professionals committed to putting our members first.
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Pat Wang
President and Chief Executive Officer
Biography -
John J. Bermel
Chief Financial Officer
Biography -
John J. Hackendorn
Chief Compliance Officer and Head of Internal Audit
Biography -
Sean Kane
Chief Human Resources Officer
Biography -
Jay Schechtman, M.D., M.B.A
Chief Clinical Officer
Biography -
G.T. Sweeney
Chief Information Officer
Biography -
Kathy Howell
Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel
Biography -
Jen Cohen-Smith
SVP, Medicare
Biography -
Errol L. Pierre
SVP, State Programs
Biography
Newsroom
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Press Release
Media Coverage
Jul 24, 2023
Pat Wang, President and CEO of Healthfirst, is featured in HealthLeaders and details how Healthfirst has scaled the components of an effective delivery system, and what remains on her leadership bucket list. click here
Dec 14, 2021
Pat Wang–Healthfirst President & CEO–welcomes the @nycHealthy comprehensive report that provides detailed insight into the health of the Asian & Pacific Islander (API) communities, broken down by ancestry. Access the full report here: https://on.nyc.gov/30o1gGx
@HealthfirstNY
Oct 26, 2021
You deserve a plan with money-saving benefits. See how our $0 Medicare Advantage plans make it easier to get the care you need. To find a plan that could reduce your costs, be sure to visit
Oct 15, 2021
Healthfirst’s SVP of Medicare, Jen Cohen-Smith, spoke with @BronxnetTV about how to choose the best #MedicareAdvantage plan for your needs. See the full the full interview at this link: https://myhf.org/3H13Fa3
Jan 14, 2021
We join our fellow New Yorkers in mourning the 17 lives that were lost in the Bronx building fire. Join us & donate to the @NYCMayorsFund, where 100% of the donations will go towards supporting the impacted families. We'll get through this together. https://on.nyc.gov/33o8YS6
@HealthfirstNY
Aug 21, 2019
We hope you joined us at our Health is Wealth panel at the annual #Source360 block party #inBrooklyn! Continue to follow us here to find out where to meet us at the next community event! #inthecommunity #HealthfirstNY #HFNY #Brooklyn
YouTube
Mar 18, 2019
Healthfirst Helps You Get Answers to Your Questions
Media Coverage
Jun 06, 2023
Media outlet Health Payer Intelligence details unique attributes of our recertification campaign. click here.
Media Coverage
Apr 22, 2022
Earlier this week, our President and CEO, Pat Wang joined a discussion panel at @theWhiteHouse Summit on Strengthening the Nation’s Early Warning System for Health Threats.
Dec 15, 2021
Healthfirst CIO GT Sweeney spoke with @BronxnetTV about our collaboration with @GalaxESolutions to bring #techjobs & training to the #Bronx. Watch to learn why this collaboration aligns with our commitment to improving the quality of life for New Yorkers: https://myhf.org/33HTVTZ
Dec 13, 2021
Jen Cohen-Smith–Healthfirst SVP, Medicare–was named to @CityAndStateNY's Responsible 100 list that recognizes leaders who actively make New York a better place. Join us in saluting Cohen-Smith for being a socially responsible New Yorker! https://bit.ly/3DVv9eW
Oct 26, 2021
Are you 65 years old, or someone under 65 with disabilities, and in need of health insurance?
@HealthfirstNY
Oct 26, 2021
Healthfirst President and CEO Pat Wang responds to the NYC Board of Health’s declaration of racism as a #publichealth crisis by affirming that it's our collective obligation to address the underlying causes that have led us to this point: https://myhf.org/3C7Wk6i #healthcareequity
Sep 03, 2021
The Benefits & Challenges of In-person Learning During COVID-19
Jan 13, 2021
The New York Black Nurses Association (NYBNA) recently held its 50th Anniversary Luncheon. As part of the celebration, seven nursing students were awarded scholarships to help them continue their studies. At Healthfirst, we know how vital nurses are and we’re proud to have sponsored a NYBNA scholarship recipient in order to support the next generation of diverse nursing professionals. Join us in congratulating NYBNA for its commitment to growing the number of Black nurses in the healthcare field.
@HealthfirstNY
Sep 05, 2019
Stop by our booth at #CircleOfSisters THIS Sat., Sept. 7! Get active w/ #fitness instructor, Leo Wright; enjoy the music; & try some healthy juices. See you at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, 655 W. 34th St. from 10am-10pm! @WBLS1075NYC #healthyliving
Media Coverage
Jun 06, 2023
Media outlet HealthLeaders spotlights Healthfirst’s unique approach to value-based insurance design and features Jen Cohen-Smith, SVP Medicare. click here.
Media Coverage
Mar 28, 2023
The following Op-Ed by Healthfirst President and CEO Pat Wang was published in the Times Union newspaper. Read the Op-Ed here.
Media Coverage
Dec 22, 2021
Healthfirst case studies reflect better patient outcomes via health equity as care strategy
Dec 15, 2021
@errollpierre–Healthfirst's SVP, State Programs–spoke with @kellykinkaid of @SwaysUniverse about the importance of reducing the #Blackmaternalmortality rate. Listen to the segment, which also features health @CoachGessie & Charles Johnson of @4kira4moms: https://myhf.org/3GHge9S
@HealthfirstNY
Oct 26, 2021
Join countless others who are getting a #flushot to stay healthy. Visit one of our #FluVaccine Clinics in Brooklyn, Upper Manhattan, White Plains, & more. Can't attend one of the clinics? Find a local pharmacy where you can get the shot at no cost here: http://MyHF.org/HFNoFlu
Oct 25, 2021
It's #PrEPAwareWeek. We'll share info about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a pill that can help prevent the spread of #HIV in people who haven't yet been exposed. See @HealthNYGov’s http://PrEPforSex.org site & talk to your doctor to have questions answered about your health.
@healthfirstny
Mar 18, 2019
Did you know that a regular Pap test can save your life? Make sure you're not overdue for a screening. #cervicalcancerawareness #getscreened
