Northwell-Fidelis Contract Ended May 15; Thousands of Members May Lose In-Network Access After July 15

Thousands of New Yorkers enrolled in Fidelis Care may soon face a major change in their health coverage after the contract between Northwell Health and Fidelis ended on May 15, 2026.

Although the contract has ended, Fidelis members still have temporary in-network access to Northwell providers and facilities through July 15, 2026. After July 15, many members may no longer have in-network access to Northwell hospitals, physicians, facilities, and affiliated providers.

For patients across the region, that could mean higher out-of-pocket costs, disruptions in care, and the possibility of having to switch doctors, specialists, hospitals, or treatment locations.

The issue is especially significant because Northwell is the largest health system in New York State. Its network includes many of the area’s most widely used hospitals and medical centers, including Lenox Hill, North Shore University Hospital, LIJ, Staten Island University Hospital, South Shore University Hospital, Huntington Hospital, Phelps, Glen Cove Hospital, Plainview Hospital, Syosset Hospital, Peconic Bay Medical Center, Cohen Children’s, Zucker Hillside, and Mather.

Patients with scheduled surgeries, specialist visits, chronic conditions, pediatric care, pregnancy-related care, or ongoing treatment through Northwell could be among those most affected after July 15. Some patients receiving ongoing treatment may qualify for continuity-of-care protections, depending on their medical circumstances and insurance rules.

The situation has also added to growing concerns among patients who say they have seen Fidelis’ provider network become less stable over the past year. Families across New York have reported seeing doctors, specialists, and other providers leave the network, creating uncertainty about which providers will remain available going forward. While it is unclear how many additional providers may be affected next, the concern for many patients is that Northwell may not be an isolated case, but part of a broader pattern of network loss and disruption.

That uncertainty is one reason many patients are being urged not to wait until the last minute to review their options.

For individuals and families enrolled through the New York State of Health Marketplace, switching to a different HMO may be one way to maintain in-network access to Northwell. If a plan change is requested by the 15th of the month, the new coverage can generally begin on the first day of the following month. The head of household typically must make the call and can usually change coverage for the entire family at once.

Patients who wait too long may miss the monthly deadline to switch plans and could find themselves enrolled in coverage that no longer includes Northwell in network after July 15. That could lead to unexpected medical bills, interrupted treatment, and the loss of access to trusted doctors and hospitals.

Anyone concerned about being affected should review their current plan, confirm whether Northwell participates in any alternative HMO options available to them, and contact the New York State of Health Marketplace if a change is needed. The Marketplace can be reached at 1-855-355-5777. TTY users can call 1-800-662-1220. More information is available at nystateofhealth.ny.gov.

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