Credentialing Corner – December 2024

Important Update: Annual Cultural Competency Training Requirement for Healthfirst Providers 

Dear Providers, 

We want to share an important reminder from Healthfirst regarding the annual Cultural Competency Training requirement for you and your office staff who regularly interact with Healthfirst members enrolled in certain plans. 

Who Must Complete the Training? This requirement applies to providers and staff who have regular and substantial contact with members enrolled in the following Healthfirst plans: 

• Healthfirst Personal Wellness Plan 

• Senior Health Partners Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) Medicaid Plan 

• Child Health Plus 

• Healthfirst CompleteCare (HMO D-SNP) – Medicaid Advantage Plus 

• Medicaid Managed Care 

Training Details and Compliance Requirements: 

• Healthfirst mandates the completion of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) e-learning program, Education – Think Cultural Health (available at https://thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov/education/communication-guide). 

• Behavioral health providers may fulfill this requirement by completing New York State’s previously approved Cultural Competency Training.

• The training must be completed by December 31 each year. 

Why is this Training Important? The Cultural Competency Training is designed to: 

1. Enhance the effectiveness of care provided to Healthfirst members. 

2. Contribute to the reduction of health disparities. 

What If You Have Already Completed the Training? If you have completed Cultural Competency Training within the past 12 months through another managed care plan, you do not need to repeat the training. However, you must: 

• Submit a Healthfirst attestation form certifying completion. 

• Provide a copy of the training certification to Healthfirst if requested. 

Ensure you complete your 2024 training certification promptly to stay compliant with New York State Department of Health regulations. 

Complete Your Cultural Competency Training Attestation Form

Source: Healthfirst  
 
 
 

Annual SNP Model of Care Training for Providers 
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