Group Health Advocate

What It is

The NYSUT Member Benefits Trust-endorsed Group Health Advocate^TM program helps group plan participants more easily navigate the complexities of the health care and insurance systems. Health Advocate's personalized service provides assistance across a broad range of health care and insurance-related issues, helping participants deal with clinical and administrative matters involving medical, hospital, dental, pharmacy and other health care needs.

The NYSUT Member Benefits Trust-endorsed Group Health Advocate^TM program is provided and administered by Health Advocate.

Eligibility

The NYSUT Member Benefits Trust-endorsed Group Health Advocate^TM program is only available for purchase by local associations. their benefit funds and employers.

To purchase this plan, all participants of your group must participate in this program. The service covers the participant, his or her spouse, dependents, parents and parents-in-law.

Features

Services from Health Advocate^TM are organized around a Personal Health Advocate, typically a registered nurse, who helps individuals get the most value from their health care benefits. By helping participants use the medical care system more efficiently, Health Advocate can help improve clinical outcomes and reduce medical costs.

Participants can call a toll-free phone number and talk to their own Personal Health Advocate who will work with them to resolve the health care issues they face and the problems they encounter.

One call to Health Advocate will help participants:

• Navigate the health care and insurance systems.
• Identify qualified doctors, hospitals and other providers.
• Resolve insurance claims and billing issues.
• Save time and money on health care bills.
• Locate and research treatment options for medical conditions.
• Obtain unbiased health information to help participants make informed medical decisions.
• Schedule appointments with hard-to-reach specialists.
• Secure second opinions to provide peace of mind.
• Identify "best-in-class" medical institutions for a serious illness or injury.
• Access community resources for supportive services not covered by traditional health insurance.

Cost of Plan

The annual cost of the Group Health Advocate^TM program is $12 per participant per year, based on 100% participation of the group (required).

The NYSUT Member Benefits Trust-endorsed Group Health Advocate^TM program is provided and administered by Health Advocate.

Implement a Plan

Once the decision has been made to purchase the NYSUT Member Benefits Trust-endorsed Health Advocate^TM program on a group basis, contact Member Benefits at (800) 626-8101 for assistance.