The UFT offers programs with compassionate support and excellent clinical care for members facing a cancer diagnosis. The 3D mammogram, a sophisticated new tool, is a recent addition to the mix.

3D mammograms

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among American women. A simple screening can help detect breast cancer early, with potentially life-saving results.

A 3D mammogram is one of the most advanced forms of screening technology available. It can lead to early detection and treatment, which is key to a positive outcome.

UFT members with EmblemHealth insurance have access to 3D mammograms through RadNet/Lenox Hill Radiology. There are no out-of-pocket costs for breast cancer screening when services are delivered by a provider in EmblemHealth’s network.

These mammograms take only four seconds to scan each breast and use small, safe doses of radiation for the screenings. For more information or to schedule a 3D mammogram, call 800-621-4844.

MSK Direct

When you are dealing with cancer, making an informed decision about your treatment options is crucial. To guide you through this stressful period, the UFT Welfare Fund has forged a partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the top-ranked cancer hospital in the Northeast, to provide members with emotional and clinical support through a program called MSK Direct.

By calling MSK Direct, UFT Welfare Fund members and their loved ones can speak one-on-one with a dedicated MSK Direct care adviser, who will connect them to the most appropriate Memorial Sloan Kettering doctor. These doctors have one focus: providing compassionate cancer care to help each patient receive the best possible outcome.

The MSK Direct team includes experienced nurses, social workers and care advisers to guide you. They facilitate prompt access to a doctor by scheduling an appointment at your convenience, as quickly as within two business days. They help you gather the necessary medical records and meet you at your first appointment.

All UFT Welfare Fund members, retirees and their family members (including spouses, domestic partners, children, parents and parents-in-law) have immediate access to MSK Direct at no cost beyond standard copays and deductibles, subject to health insurance coverage for care at Memorial Sloan Kettering, an in-network provider for most city health plans. Out-of-pocket costs for treatment received at Memorial Sloan Kettering vary by plan, so check your plan.

Call 844-350-5034, Mondays through Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., to access this program. No enrollment is necessary. For more information, see the FAQ.

Health and Cancer Helpline

Receiving a life-threatening medical diagnosis can be an emotional roller coaster. The UFT Welfare Fund’s Health and Cancer Helpline provides free, confidential health services by phone for UFT Welfare Fund members and their dependents who are diagnosed with a serious illness, sustain a severe injury or are grappling with a behavioral health issue. The helpline is staffed with full-time social workers and caseworkers.

Services include:

• Confidential, immediate support: A helpline counselor can answer questions, address concerns and offer guidance regarding health-related matters.
• Guidance for a leave of absence: Helpline staff can outline for UFT members their leave options and can help them determine the type of leave appropriate for a medical or family-related crisis.
• Health benefits information: Helpline staff can help members navigate the complexities of the health care system, providing accurate information regarding health plans and how to access the benefits and services to which they are entitled.

The Health and Cancer Helpline is available year round. During the school year, call 212-539-0515, Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Summer hours are Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.