Reminder: Coverage to Change 
to Blue Cross on July 1

This is a reminder to members of our Union and their families that they will see their hospitalization benefits changed from United Healthcare to Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, beginning on July 1.

Members will be receiving their new Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield cards in the mail over the next few weeks, and the cards will be valid beginning on July 1, 2014.

The change in providers will also affect members who use out-of-area benefits and services for their families’ health care needs.

“The change to Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield will not result in any loss of hospitalization benefits or any other benefits and there will be no break in service,” Benefit Funds CEO Dr. Robert Greenspan told Hotel Voice last week. “In addition, members will not have to take any action on their part to validate the change.”

It is very important for members to understand that their United Healthcare cards are only valid up to and including June 30, 2014. For this reason, they should make sure that they discard their United Healthcare cards after June 30 and use their new Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield cards beginning July 1.

“Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield has an excellent track record in providing EPO/hospital benefits,” Greenspan said last week. “Members and their families will see little if any change in the services and benefits they receive after July 1, when Empire replaces United Healthcare. In addition, there will be absolutely no break in service during this transition.”

Members will soon be receiving their new Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield cards in their home mail. Members should be sure they are enrolled and have a valid, current mailing address with the Benefit Funds, which can be verified by contacting the Eligibility Department at 305 West 44th Street (212-586-6400) or by asking any of the clerical staff at the Health and Dental Centers. As always, members with any questions can call the Benefit Funds at 212-586-6400.