Healthfirst Ranked #1 in Quality Among New York State Medicaid Plans

Builds on Three Consecutive Years of Top-Tier Performance in the New York State Department of Health Medicaid Quality Incentive Program

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Healthfirst, a leading not-for-profit health plan serving more than two million New Yorkers, has been recognized as the top-performing Medicaid Managed Care plan in New York State’s Department of Health Medicaid Quality Incentive Program results for 2023, which were released in August 2025. Out of 12 participating plans statewide, Healthfirst achieved the highest rating for quality of care, underscoring its effectiveness in delivering access to coordinated, community-based care through its extensive provider network.

For the past three years, Healthfirst has achieved tier one performance in the annual Medicaid Quality Incentive Program results and in 2023 received the highest ranking among all plans. Key drivers in the 2023 measurement year results include behavioral health programming designed to meet members’ needs, as well as ongoing efforts to enhance member experience. In addition, Healthfirst members rated our health plan above the statewide average in New York’s Medicaid Adult member satisfaction survey.

“Healthfirst’s number one ranking reflects how we are delivering on our not-for-profit mission in partnership with our provider network of top-notch medical centers, doctors, and community physicians who are integral to our communities,” said Pat Wang, President and CEO of Healthfirst. “For more than 30 years, Healthfirst has earned the trust of members by putting their needs first and making health insurance easier to understand – grounded in our belief that all New Yorkers deserve the highest-quality care.”

The New York State Medicaid Quality Incentive Program evaluates health plans based on nationally recognized quality measures and health outcomes. These measures include preventive care; management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and cancer; maternity and postpartum care; behavioral health; and developmental screenings for children and adolescents. A plan’s performance in the program indicates the quality of care provided to its members relative to all plans in the Medicaid Managed Care market. The program uses multiple data sources to determine results, including:

• 2023 Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) and Quality Assurance Reporting Requirements (QARR) data (measurement year 2023);
• The most recent Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey for Medicaid (administered in fall 2023 with results released in May 2024); and
• Regulatory compliance information from 2022 and 2023.

About Healthfirst

Healthfirst believes that every New Yorker deserves access to the best available healthcare. As one of New York's highest-quality health insurers, we make this a reality for more than two million members. Founded more than 30 years ago by the leading hospital systems in downstate New York, Healthfirst established a partnership model that enables hospitals, health systems, and physicians in our network to prioritize health outcomes over profits, placing the needs of our members and community first. Healthfirst serves members in New York City, on Long Island, and in Westchester, Rockland, Sullivan, and Orange counties, offering market-leading products to suit every life stage. Our offerings include Medicaid plans, Medicare Advantage plans, Child Health Plus plans, Essential Plans, Long-Term Care plans, and Qualified Health plans. For more information on Healthfirst, please visit healthfirst.org.