Fidelis Care, a New York-based health plan serving over 2.4 million members, has officially opened the application window for its 2025 maternal health grant program. This year’s funding effort is focused on improving postpartum care and maternal mental health, especially in communities where access remains limited.
The application deadline is 5 p.m. ET on July 8, 2025. Providers and organizations can apply now through the official portal at fideliscare.org/maternal-grant.
Postpartum Mental Health: A Public Health Weak Spot
Mental health disorders remain one of the leading health issues tied to pregnancy, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Conditions such as postpartum depression and anxiety impact one in five new mothers in the U.S. each year. These aren’t rare edge cases—they’re everyday realities.
Despite the clear need, postpartum care attendance remains inconsistent. National averages hover around 72%, but those rates drop significantly for underserved communities. For example, at Federally Qualified Health Centers, up to 43% of new mothers skip postpartum checkups entirely.
That’s where access to care—and the insurance to support it—makes a measurable difference. Having coverage increases the likelihood that mothers will attend follow-up visits, where both physical recovery and mental health concerns can be addressed before they become crises.
A Call for Innovation
Fidelis Care’s grant initiative encourages providers and nonprofits to get creative. The company is seeking proposals that introduce practical, scalable solutions that will increase postpartum care access or improve outcomes related to maternal mental health.
Eligible applicants include hospitals, clinics, nonprofits, and local health initiatives across New York State. Programs should have a strong focus on outreach to vulnerable or underserved groups—populations that often lack the time, resources, or awareness to seek follow-up care after childbirth.
Dr. Vincent Marchello, Chief Medical Officer at Fidelis Care, put it plainly: “Supporting mothers after childbirth is just as vital as caring for them during pregnancy.” He added that improving access to postpartum services strengthens not just the individual but the entire family structure.
What the Grants Aim to Fund
While there are no hard limitations on program design, the grant guidelines prioritize projects that:
- Increase postpartum appointment attendance
- Provide mental health screenings or services for new mothers
- Expand community-based education or care navigation
- Offer support that bridges gaps in insurance or transportation
- Leverage digital tools to extend care beyond clinical settings
Fidelis Care plans to review submissions through July and announce the selected recipients in August.
Fidelis Care is part of Centene Corporation and operates across New York with a focus on delivering quality, affordable health coverage to residents at every stage of life. The organization has long emphasized access to care in historically underserved areas and maintains a wide member base ranging from children to seniors.
More information is available through their main website or by calling 1-888-FIDELIS.
This grant program isn’t just a funding opportunity—it’s a signal. Fidelis Care is inviting healthcare leaders to stop treating postpartum care as an afterthought. Mental health issues linked to childbirth are well-documented, and participation rates in postpartum follow-up are still lagging. For providers and organizations across New York, this is a clear chance to build real solutions with real backing.
New York doesn’t need another report. It needs action. Fidelis Care is putting money on the table. The question now is who will step up to take it.