VNS Health Welcomes Whitney Young Health to Medicare Advantage Provider Network in Capital Region

New network relationship connects VNS Health Medicare Advantage plan members with a trusted community health center serving Albany and Rensselaer counties

ALBANY, NY, UNITED STATES, November 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — VNS Health announced today that Whitney Young Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving more than 20,000 patients annually in the Capital Region, has joined its Medicare Advantage provider network, including its Total, EasyCare, and EasyCare Plus health plans.

Founded in 1971, Whitney Young Health has served the Capital Region for more than five decades, providing comprehensive health care services to individuals and families, including older adults and residents of medically underserved communities. With locations in Albany County, Troy, and Watervliet, the organization offers primary care, dental care, behavioral health, preventive services, and other essential health services.

This partnership addition strengthens VNS Health’s network of community-based providers in Albany and Rensselaer counties, connecting eligible Medicare plan members with an established local health care organization that has long served the region.

“Strong health care starts with strong relationships in the communities we serve,” said Patricia Deferio, Vice President, Upstate Region, VNS Health. “Whitney Young Health has been a trusted part of the Capital Region for more than 50 years, helping people and families get the care they need. We’re proud to welcome them to our Medicare network and to continue strengthening access to care for our members across upstate New York.”

As an FQHC, Whitney Young Health plays an important role in the region’s health care safety net. The organization also helps address barriers to care through services that include language assistance, patient education, and transportation support.

“For more than 50 years, Whitney Young Health has worked to make quality health care accessible to the people and families who depend on us,” said David H. Shippee, President and CEO of Whitney Young Health. “Our relationship with VNS Health reflects our continued commitment to serving the Capital Region and helping patients connect with the care they need. We look forward to working together to support the health and well-being of our communities.”

About VNS Health
VNS Health is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit home- and community-based health care organizations. For more than 130 years, we have helped people live, age, and heal where they feel most comfortable—at home, connected to their families and communities. More than 11,500 VNS Health team members serve over 100,000 patients, health plan members, and clients across New York State each day. VNS Health offers a full range of health care services, solutions, and health plans designed to meet the diverse and complex needs of the people we serve.

About Whitney Young Health
Founded in 1971, Whitney Young Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving individuals and families across New York’s Capital Region. The organization provides comprehensive, affordable health care services, including primary care, dental care, behavioral health, addiction treatment, and other specialty services. With locations in Albany, Troy, and Watervliet, Whitney Young Health is committed to improving access to quality care and supporting the health and well-being of the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.wmyhealth.org.

Whitney Young Health’s participation applies to the VNS Health Medicare Advantage provider network and may not apply to all VNS Health plans or products. Provider network participation is subject to change. Members should confirm that a provider participates in their specific plan’s network before receiving services.

Beatrice Santa-Wood
VNS Health
+1 646-939-2189
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