After caring for students all year, summer is often when educators are able to devote time to self-care. The UFT offers several health initiatives that provide members with access to medical experts, concierge services for personalized care and best-in-class treatment options. Read our FAQ below to learn more about three of these UFT Welfare Fund health care programs.
What is the UFT Welfare Fund Health and Cancer Helpline?
The Helpline is a free, confidential support service dedicated to helping members and their families deal with medical and behavioral health illnesses.
What can I expect when calling the Health and Cancer Helpline?
You will receive immediate, confidential professional guidance from a full-time social worker or caseworker based on identified needs. The social worker or caseworker will create a supportive plan and follow up care with telephone and/or in-person contacts to assist the individual to resolve issues discussed during the initial assessment.
What services does the Health and Cancer Helpline provide?
Services include but are not limited to: immediate access to a full-time social worker or caseworker to assess the health and wellness needs of the caller, ongoing support from Helpline staff, assistance with planning a leave of absence, health benefits information, MSK Direct (cancer care program) inquiries, referrals to quality community resources, and caregiver information and support.
Is my information and communication with the Helpline confidential?
All communication with the Helpline is confidential and private.
I don’t have cancer. Can I still use the services of the Health and Cancer Helpline?
Yes. The Health and Cancer Helpline is available to members and their dependents who have been diagnosed with all types of medical or behavioral health illnesses.
The Health and Cancer Helpline can be reached at 212-539-0515 from 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Monday–Friday, during the school year, and 9 a.m.–5:15 p.m., Monday–Thursday, during the summer. Learn more about the Helpline »
What is MSK Direct?
MSK Direct is a program that offers guided access to expert cancer care from a team of dedicated cancer specialists at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) cancer center. The team includes experienced nurses, social workers and MSK Care Advisors who are there to guide you through a range of services across the cancer spectrum — from prevention and screenings to treatment and survivorship.
Who is eligible to use MSK Direct?
All UFT members, retirees and their family members have access to MSK Direct at no additional cost beyond standard copays and deductibles (subject to health insurance coverage for care at MSK).
When should I contact MSK Direct?
You should contact MSK Direct if you:
- Are diagnosed with cancer and would like to explore options for treatment at MSK
- Receive results from a medical test or exam that indicate a suspicion of cancer and would like to explore options for treatment at MSK
- Would like a second opinion from MSK on a cancer diagnosis or care plan received from another facility
- Are in cancer treatment elsewhere and would like to consult with an MSK specialist about possible options
- Need personalized cancer screening recommendations
- Want expert tips on reducing your cancer risk
Do I have to pay extra to use MSK Direct?
No. All UFT members, retirees and their family members have access to MSK Direct at no additional cost, but care provided by MSK is subject to the standard copay and deductibles of each individual’s insurance plan.
Can I get a second opinion at MSK?
Yes. If you have already received a diagnosis or treatment recommendation somewhere else, you may contact MSK Direct to schedule an appointment for a second opinion with an MSK physician.
To contact MSK directly, call 844-350-5034, or learn more about MSK Direct »
What is HSS Perform?
The UFT Welfare Fund’s partnership with the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) offers UFT Welfare Fund members, both in-service and retired, and their eligible dependents, guided access to expert care and services at the country’s top orthopedic hospital. It makes it easier than ever to receive world-class treatment for a full spectrum of musculoskeletal treatments, including regarding:
- Foot and ankle
- Hand and upper extremity
- Hip and knee
- Pain management
- Pediatric orthopedics and rheumatology
- Physiatry
- Physical therapy
- Rheumatology
- Shoulder
- Spine
- Sports medicine
What services are included with HSS Perform?
- A concierge team to help guide you through diagnosis and treatment options
- Dedicated hotline and email address for contacting your care team
- Assistance with scheduling appointments and coordinating visits
- 24/7 access to online tools and education about musculoskeletal health
Is there a cost associated with the HSS Perform program?
There is no additional cost for using the HSS Perform program or the concierge team. Most clinical care services are billable to your insurance, and usual copays and deductibles charged for care apply.
Who can use the HSS Perform program?
All union members and their family members have access to HSS at no additional cost beyond the standard copays, coinsurance and deductibles for the medical services received from HSS
Contact HSS Perform at 212-606-1599 or via email at HSS4UFTWF [at] hss [dot] edu (HSS4UFTWF[at]hss[dot]edu). Learn more about HSS Perform »