You now have two insurance cards, and we understand it can be a bit overwhelming figuring out which one to use at what time. This can be your guide on knowing when to use which card!
Insurance Card from the Health Benefits Fund
Eligible members will be able to use over 150 CityMD urgent care locations throughout New York and New Jersey at no cost upon presentation of their new Health Center Insurance Card. Issued in May 2023, the Health Center Insurance Card is designed for use at CityMD urgent care centers and appointments referred by the Health Center. It is not a substitute for your Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Card when seeking inpatient or emergency room care.
Please remember, chronic care and wellness care will remain with your Health Center Primary Care Provider.
Referral
Use the Health Center Insurance Card to see outside providers ONLY if you have an active referral from an on-site Provider.
Empire BCBS Insurance Card
In general, Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance is intended for emergency room visits or inpatient care, such as hospital stays. This means that you should only use your Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance card in situations where you require emergency care or are admitted to the hospital.
Please note if you are utilizing EPO insurance, your blue cross blue shield card can be used for all provider visits external to the Health Centers.
Contact re: the need for a replacement card (H.C. or Empire card) can either be done through an email request to HBFservices@hotelfunds.org OR a phone call to (212)586-6400.
