Benefits after January 31
Please take the time to review options regarding healthcare benefits. We know this is a scary situation and are not trying to be dismissive of those feelings but we want to help alleviate some of the anxiety.
You have options other than paying for COBRA.
We will have access to free primary/urgent care thanks to former residents at Monte.
Get your chronic meds NOW (maybe you are going on a trip and need to get the 90 day fill option).
If an emergency, go to NCB, tell them you have no income. You will not be charged at the moment.
If you need serious intervention they can apply for emergency medicaid.
If something less serious, you can pay a bill based on income (we don’t really have much income).
If you decide on COBRA, don’t pay up front.
You have 60 days to elect the Cobra coverage and if you don’t use services you don’t pay anything.
You will have 45 days from when you elect the coverage to make your payment.
Many people can take the wait and see approach. Sometimes the cost of care may be a cheaper cost than the cobra payment!
The payment would be pro-rated. Example: if the strike ends Feb 5, you would only pay the cost of 5 days. You would be reimbursed for rest of month.
CLINIC FOR STRIKING NURSES AND FAMILIES!
Many thanks to former CIR Resident at Monte, now Attending Physician, Dr. Stephanie Yuen
COMMUNITY HEALTH NETWORK SOUTH BRONX
1002 Westchester Ave, Bronx, NY 10459
(718) 320-4466
TO GET THERE:
Street Parking available, some meters; or public transportation (buses and subways)
HOURS (to see providers who have volunteered to see you):
Tuesday: 8am-7pm
Wed/Thurs/Fri: 9am-5pm
SERVICES:
Primary and Urgent Care; Labs; Scrips; Assistance with Insurance Applications (eg: Child Health Plus for your kids); Social workers; Counseling; and more
https://www.chnnyc.org/center/south-bronx/
PROVIDERS:
DR. STEPHANIE YUEN (Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases)
FNP SWEENY (Family Practice)
PROCESS:
Call for appointment at the above number; you can also walk-in but best to call
Let them know you are one of the nurses on strike and Dr. Yuen and NP Sweeney are aware to squeeze you in if necessary—they can ask the provider if not clear that this is the arrangement
PAYMENT:
It’s sliding scale but you will fill out the usual forms, you write for income “none” or zero, explain you are on strike.
You don’t have to pay anything but can offer $5 or $10 if you are able to support the clinic, no obligation.
Looking at the website it appears that there are facilitators to assist you to enroll in another health plan (eg: Child Health Plus for your kids, other options if needed
PHARMACY
There is no affiliated pharmacy but I recommend Legend Pharmacy on Gunhill Road and Bainbridge. They offer deeply discounted drugs. We send a lot of our ED patients there
COBRA Related Questions:
HealthyMe Benefits Center
866-959-3545
