Recently, the Municipal Labor Committee, along with the New York City Office of Labor Relations Committee, agreed to create two new diabetes pilot programs to assist our members.

These programs will not replace the care you receive from your doctor, but will provide additional support you may need to manage your diabetes and meet your health goals. The programs will begin on July 1, 2015.

As part of this program, EmblemHealth will identify GHI Non-Medicare subscribers who will be eligible for the program. EmblemHealth will contact selected members including instructions on how to join this program.

Diabetes is an ever-increasing threat to the health and welfare of the American public. Due to the seriousness of this health issue, the United Federation of Teachers supports this diabetes management program. If selected, we urge you to participate!

It is important for you to know that the program is completely voluntary and confidential — your personal health information will not be shared with anyone. Enrollment in the program is limited.

Did you know?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 29 million Americans have diabetes, costing about $245 billion in medical expenses and loss wages annually. If left untreated, diabetes can cause serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, blindness and even the loss of a toe or foot! The good news is that the more you know, the better you will be able to manage your diabetes and prevent these problems. Let us help you.

City of New York Diabetes Program

Managing diabetes can be overwhelming. There’s so much to learn and remember in order to keep your diabetes under control. The diabetes case management program provides support from a nurse case manager, educational materials and important information to help you better understand and manage your type 1 and 2 diabetes.

City of New York Diabetes Pregnancy Program

There’s nothing more important than caring for yourself and your baby. That’s why we’re excited to offer the Healthy Beginnings PATH pregnancy program to our pregnant members who have Type 1 or 2 diabetes or develop gestational diabetes mellitis (GDM) during their pregnancy. We want to help you have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.

Online Health Management Tools

Check out Emblem's electronic wellness services. They are free, secure and easy to access whenever and wherever you may need them! Once you are registered and log in, you can access a Health Assessment (HA), Personal Health Record (PHR) and other health information tools for a variety of health-related topics, including diabetes.

If you receive an invitation to participate in this program, we urge you to take advantage of this opportunity and start managing one of the most pressing health issues of our time — you will be doing a great service to yourself and your family and friends will appreciate it!

We look forward to putting you on a path to a healthier lifestyle.