Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I am writing to ask for your support in a critical matter.
As you may know, Fidelis Care, a non-profit health insurer that has served the poor and needy of New York, began operating in 1993 as the Catholic Health Services Plan of Brooklyn and Queens. In 1997, the eight bishops of the Catholic dioceses of New York, led by John Cardinal O’Connor, expanded Fidelis Care across the state to improve the health and wellness of underserved New Yorkers. It has become a model for managed care in the United States.
In recent years, however, it has become clear that the Church could better address the health and health-related needs of the underserved by exiting the increasing technology-driven insurance business and refocusing our efforts.
This is why, in September 2017, we announced that Centene Corporation, a national leader in providing managed care insurance plans, had agreed to buy the assets of Fidelis Care, so that the Church could continue to meet the health care needs of New Yorkers throughout the State in new and innovative ways.
Through consultation with philanthropy experts, it became clear that the best path forward was to establish a foundation to continue our mission of caring for New Yorkers in need and addressing social determinants of health outcomes. Therefore, the Catholic bishops have approved the creation of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, to undertake this critical new way of serving people of all faiths with their health and health-related needs.
The transaction has been approved by the New York Department of Health and the New York Department of Financial Services. A review by the New York Office of the Attorney General marks the final phase of approval. Once approved, the Foundation can begin initial grantmaking activity to communities and organizations throughout New York State, issuing grants totaling up to $150M annually.
I kindly ask that you click on this link to send an e-mail to the New York Office of the Attorney General asking them to approve this foundation:
https://www.votervoice.net/NYSCATHOLIC/campaigns/59123/respond
Letters are due May 23rd and then will be compiled and added to the public record.
Your prayers, support and action on this matter are critical to achieving the long-term vision for the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation and making New York a healthier, more equitable place for all.
Thank you.
Faithfully in Christ,
Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan
Archbishop of New York
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