Transition Your Coverage

 

When the benefit extension stops, workers who are still on lay off will stop receiving coverage under our health insurance. At that time, there are a number of options available for union-represented workers to continue their coverage under the Health Benefits Fund or find alternative healthcare through the state or with a private insurance company.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WITHOUT COVERAGE?

COBRA

The federal law COBRA gives workers who lose health benefits the right to continue the same coverage temporarily. For more information on the seven available plans, please see: Overview of COBRA
2021 COBRA Rates

Representatives from the Funds can help you review your options and enroll in the COBRA plan of your choice by phone.

Call the Benefit Department at (212) 586-6400, Monday - Friday, 9am – 5pm.

 

METROPLUS

MetroPlus Representatives will also be at the Health Centers and 305 West 44th St. to assist you in obtaining coverage outside of your current health plan. Please see the updated schedule below for times and locations:

Midtown Health Center Monday – Friday   9:00am – 5:00pm
Queens Health Center Monday – Friday   9:00am – 5:00pm
Central Administration at 305 W 44th St. (auditorium) Monday – Friday   9:00am – 5:00pm

 

NY STATE OF HEALTH

The NY State of Health is the Official Health Plan Marketplace available to assist you in finding coverage for you and your family through the Individual Marketplace. You can easily search for coverage options, apply for assistance to lower your cost, and find out if you are eligible for programs like Medicaid, Child Health Plus, or the Essential Plan.

Visit the main site Here to begin, or call the help line below for assistance.

1 (855) 355-5777

TTY: 1 (800) 662-1220

Available Monday - Friday, 8am - 8pm and Saturday, 9am – 1pm

 

If you would like to apply for one of the public healthcare programs in New York State, you can also apply in-person at the Queens Health Center and the Benefit Fund’s office at 305 West 44th Street.

 

Blue Cross Blue Shield

If you are interested in continuing your coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, you can enter your 5-digit zip code to explore coverage options Here, or call (888) 630-2583 for more assistance.

 

HOW CAN I OBTAIN MY MEDICAL RECORDS?

We can prepare a copy of your medical records at any one of our Health Centers and can send this information to your new provider on your behalf. Fill out an authorization to release your medical records. Please be as specific as possible in requesting this information ahead of time. You may contact our medical record departments at:

1 (833) FUNDS-RU   1 (833) 386-3778

  • Midtown Health Center Extension: 5260
  • Queens Health Center Extension: 3165

You can view a copy of this authorization form below:

HCI Record Release – Consent – General

HCI Record Release – Consent - MetroPlus