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 postStarting 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 postEffective April 1, 2026, Healthfirst will require prior authorization requirements for several CPT codes currently managed by Evicore.
View postEffective 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 postEffective April 1, 2026, Healthfirst will remove prior authorization requirements for several CPT codes currently managed by Integra.
View postHealthfirst is reinforcing New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) requirements regarding newborn coverage rules.
View postStarting February 1, 2026, Healthfirst will add prior authorization requirements for selected vision services.
View postExplore helpful Healthfirst plan resources for 2026
View postProviders can access all Healthfirst tools through Availity Essentials, our new secure provider portal platform.
View postHealthfirst has released new notifications on prior authorization.
View postHealthfirst updated billing requirements for telehealth services delivered through New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) licensed and/or designated outpatient programs.
View postEffective November 1, 2025, and in accordance with New York State Department of Health guidance, Healthfirst will provide coverage for Therapeutic Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for eligible Medicaid, Medicaid Advantage Plus, and Health and Recovery Plan members diagnosed with Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder.
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