SULLIVAN COUNTY -- Not-for-profit health insurance company Healthfirst announced Tuesday that the New York State Department of Health (DOH) has approved its expansion into Orange and Sullivan counties.

The company has received approval to serve the Medicaid, Essential Plan, Child Health Plus (CHP), and Health and Recovery Plan (HARP) populations in Orange and Sullivan counties beginning August 1, 2019. This approval follows the company's earlier expansion into Westchester County. Additionally, as of September 1, 2019, Essential Plan and Medicaid enrollees of the Crystal Run Health Plan will be transitioned to Healthfirst.

“Orange and Sullivan counties offer Healthfirst an opportunity to bring our products and services to new members,” said Errol Pierre, Senior Vice President, State Programs. “Our ability to acquire the Essential Plan and Medicaid enrollees of the Crystal Run Health Plan as of September 1, 2019, will allow us to expand quickly and effectively. The fact that all Crystal Run Health Plan doctors are in network with Healthfirst, as are many of the other physicians who participated in the Crystal Run Medicaid and Essential Plans, will make for an easy transition. We look forward to welcoming Crystal Run members, as well as to engaging more broadly with the mid-Hudson Valley community, which has been a hallmark of success in all the neighborhoods where we do business.”