Hospitalization

Based on your health plan with the Health Benefit Funds, you may be entitled to hospitalization.

For more details about your current coverage for hospitalization, or to request additional/replacement hospital cards:

• Call 1-844-866-3694
• Set up an online account at Empire Blue

Things to Remember

• Always Carry Your Card

Make sure you and all those covered under your plan carry their hospitalization card at all times. This will ensure correct billing to the correct hospitalization  carrier for covered services.

• Go to the Health Center for Routine Care

Most of your health needs can be provided at the Funds Health Centers by our Nurses, General Medicine Doctors and Specialists.

• Only Seek Outside Care With a Written Referral

When any outside care is necessary, please be sure to obtain a written referral from our Health Centers, to avoid being billed for outside services.

• Only Go to a Hospital Emergency Room for Medical Emergencies

Only use hospital Emergency Rooms services for true medical emergencies. At Emergency Rooms, true emergencies are usually treated first, while less urgent cases wait -- sometimes hours for triage or treatment, and it may result in a direct bill, that you may be responsible for paying.

Click here to view our list of clinical staff and hospital affiliations.

24/7 NurseLine

At anytime, call  877-TALK-2-RN (825-5276) to speak to a nurse who can help you:

• Understand symptoms and choose appropriate care and where to get it
• Manage a health condition and explore treatment options
• Identify possible medication side effects and interactions
• Get helpful self-care tips for a wide range of health situations

When to Visit the Health Center

Nurses, Primary Care Physician & Specialists

If it's not urgent, it's usually best to go to your primary care doctor. Your doctor knows you and your health history. They can access your medical records. Plus, your doctor can provide follow-up care and refer you to specialists either onsite at the Health Center or nearby, with a written referral.

If the doctor you normally see at the Health Center is unavailable, you may request a same-day appointment with another doctor on duty for routine care, or to address medical concerns like:

• Sprains or Strains
• Minor broken bones (example: finger)
• Minor infections
• Small cuts
• Sore throats
• Rashes

When to go to the Emergency Room

Consider seeking immediate assistance at an Emergency Room for:

• Heavy bleeding
• Large open wounds
• Sudden change in vision
• Chest pain
• Sudden weakness or trouble talking
• Major burns
• Spinal injuries
• Severe head injury
• Difficulty breathing
• Major broken bones