Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation
PPO Retiree Plan
The inpatient Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation benefits are administered by Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield for inpatient rehabilitation. If you utilize a participating facility for these services it will be covered in full. If you utilize a non-participating facility for services you will be responsible for any deductible and co-insurance and you can be balance billed for charges in excess of the negotiated rate paid by Empire.
If you wish to utilize this benefit, you must call Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield at 1-844-241-7089 prior to being admitted to a rehabilitation facility. If you do not call this number before entering a facility, you may not be eligible to receive this benefit.
Find a Network Provider
To find a network provider in your area, visit Empire’s website at www.empireblue.com. For more information on how your substance abuse and rehabilitation benefits work and what the Empire BlueCross BlueShield Plan covers, please contact the Fund Office.
Basic Retiree Plan
The inpatient Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation benefits are administered by Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield for inpatient rehabilitation. There is no network. All benefits are paid based on a Schedule of Allowances. You can be balance billed billed for charges in excess of the Schedule of Allowances paid by Empire. For more information on how your substance abuse and rehabilitation benefits work and what the Empire BlueCross BlueShield Plan covers, please contact the Fund Office. Empire’s plan covers many medical services, including basic preventive screenings, doctor and specialist visits, surgical services, substance abuse and rehabilitation benefits and more.
Membership Assistance Program (MAP)
The Membership Assistance Program (MAP) is comprised of Union members who provide support and intervention in regard to Substance Abuse and Alcohol Abuse. This support group meets at 4:00 pm every second Wednesday of the month. If you would like further information about this program, please call 212-331-1848.
If you are in a crisis or need immediate assistance, please call Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Behavioral Health Hotline at 1-800-626-3643. Select prompt#1. Your call will be confidential and answered by a licensed clinician.
FAQs
What is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?
Generally, the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) allows you to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period due to:
- the birth, adoption, or placement with you for adoption of a child;
- to provide care for a spouse, child, or parent who is seriously ill; or
- your own serious illness.
You are generally eligible for a leave under the FMLA if you:
- have worked for the same Contributing Employer for at least 12 months;
- have worked at least 1,250 hours over the previous 12 months; and
- work at a location where at least 50 employees are employed by the Contributing Employer within 75 miles.
If you would like more information in regards to this please visit the FMLA section of the DOL website or contact your Business Representative.