Medicaid
Medicaid is a program for New York State residents who cannot afford to pay for medical care. People may be covered by Medicaid if they have high medical bills, receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or if they meet certain income, resource, age or disability requirements.
For more information, contact your county’s Department of Social Services.
Enroll at One of Our Primary Care Centers
If you are a patient at a Catholic Health primary care center listed below, our Medicaid advocates will assist you in submitting your application. We ask that our patients apply for Medicaid with us, as we are able to track the status of your application and obtain emergency medication, if needed.
When you come in for your first appointment, our advocate will walk you through the application process, from beginning to end. Once the application is complete, the advocate will deliver the application in downtown Buffalo for you.
This service is available at:
Child Health Plus (Fidelis)
Child Health Plus is a health insurance plan for children under the age of 19. Children must be residents of New York State. There are two programs: Child Health Plus A or Child Health Plus B. Family income will determine which program a child may qualify for.
Children who are not eligible for Child Health Plus A can enroll in Child Health Plus B if they do not already have health insurance and are not eligible for coverage under the public employees’ state health benefits plan. For more information call (800) 698-4543.
EPIC
Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) is a New York State-sponsored prescription plan for senior citizens who need help paying for their prescriptions.
New York State residents can join EPIC if they are 65 or older and meet income requirements.
EPIC members will be required to pay fees, deductibles, or co-payments. Seniors who receive full Medicaid benefits or have other prescription coverage that is better than EPIC are not eligible. EPIC will not pay for medication dispensed by a Catholic Health pharmacy.
For an application, call (800) 332-3742.
