The following email was sent on March 26 from UFT Welfare Fund Executive Director Geof Sorkin to all in-service UFT members..

I hope you're staying safe and healthy during this difficult time. With the New York metropolitan area the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, I wanted to inform you about the health benefits that in-service UFT members with EmblemHealth coverage, whether GHI or HIP, have.

EmblemHealth has beefed up its telehealth services (phone and video) so you can get informed advice from a health care professional without leaving your home. You will incur no out-of-pocket costs for in-network COVID-19 testing, for related in-network office visits or for any type of telehealth service with your in-network doctor.

The primary symptoms of coronavirus infection are fever (a temperature higher than 100.4), a dry cough and shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms, you have the following options from EmblemHealth to seek help:

1. 24/7 nurse hotline
   
   If you need to speak to a health care provider but can’t get in touch with a doctor, experienced, licensed nurses are available around the clock at 877-444-7988 for confidential, one-on-one health counseling and accurate information to help you make informed health care decisions.
    
2. Teladoc
   
   Teladoc provides 24/7 access seven days a week to board-certified, state-licensed doctors by phone or video. These doctors can send a prescription to your local pharmacy.
   
   To get started with Teladoc, register online or call 800-835-2362. Teladoc is experiencing high call volumes so you may be put on hold; please be patient and a representative will speak with you as soon as possible.


3. AdvantageCare Physicians and BronxDocs
   
   If you are an AdvantageCare Physicians (ACP) and a BronxDocs patient, you can arrange to speak with one of the practice’s medical providers through Zoom videoconferencing. Contact AdvantageCare Physicians at 646-680-4227 and BronxDocs at 646-680-5200.
   
   Scheduling your appointment will include a brief questionnaire to assess your symptoms, risk and need for a virtual visit. Before the visit, you will be instructed on how to download the Zoom app.

You can also access all of these telehealth services for you and your eligible family members' other health care needs.

Customer service

Have questions about your health benefits or how to access care? If you are a GHI subscriber, call a customer service representative at 212-501-4444, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you are a HIP subscriber, you can reach a Gold Line agent at 833-269-4653, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., or Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

UFT Welfare Fund benefits

If you require immediate assistance with a prescription drug issue, please call Express Scripts at 800-723-9182. You can also email the UFT Welfare Fund with your prescription issue at rxhelp@uftwf.org. Should you require assistance with any dental issue, please email dentalhelp@uftwf.org. Should you require help with a COBRA issue, please email cobrahelp@uftwf.org. If you need help with any other issue regarding UFT Welfare Fund supplemental health benefits, please email healthbenefithelp@uftwf.org. All of these email addresses are closely monitored Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Stay safe. Together we will make it through this.