Availity Essentials is Healthfirst’s New Provider Portal
Healthfirst's legacy provider portal fully retired on Dec. 22, 2025
Important! The legacy Healthfirst Provider Portal fully retired on Dec. 22, 2025. For Availity Essentials training, see our upcoming learning opportunities.
Explore helpful Healthfirst plan resources for 2026
Healthfirst offers health plans for all New Yorkers
Updated Healthfirst at a Glance guides offer an overview of Healthfirst's plan offerings for 2026.
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What's New
View allIntegra Partners to Manage Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies Prior Authorization Requests
Effective June 1, 2026, Integra Partners will manage prior authorization (Utilization Management) for all Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) on behalf of Healthfirst for all plans.
View postChanges to Prior Authorization Submissions for Back Pain Management and Spinal Surgery Services
Starting June 1, 2026, Healthfirst providers will need to submit prior authorizations via Optum’s Spine, Pain, and Joint portal as the OrthoNet portal will be discontinued.
View postPrior Authorization Required for Select Codes Starting April 1, 2026
Effective April 1, 2026, Healthfirst will require prior authorization requirements for several CPT codes currently managed by Evicore.
View postCost Sharing Removed for Mobile Crisis Services for Essential Plan Members
Effective January 1, 2026, cost sharing will not apply to Essential Plan (EP) members receiving Mobile Crisis Services. This includes Healthfirst EP 1, 2, 3, 4, and 200–250 plans.
View postPrior Authorization No Longer Required for Select Codes Starting April 1, 2026
Effective April 1, 2026, Healthfirst will remove prior authorization requirements for several CPT codes currently managed by Integra.
View postEssential Plan: What Providers Must Know about Newborn Enrollment
Healthfirst is reinforcing New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) requirements regarding newborn coverage rules.
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