What will happen to the GHI CBP/Anthem BlueCross and BlueShield plan, and do I need to do anything?
If you’re an active member of the EmblemHealth GHI CBP/Anthem BlueCross and BlueShield plan, you and your eligible dependents will be automatically enrolled in NYCE PPO. NYCE PPO will replace the EmblemHealth GHI CBP/Anthem BlueCross and BlueShield plan as of January 1, 2026, unless you elect a different plan during the City’s annual fall transfer period. There will be no gap in coverage.
What will happen to GHI/Anthem Senior Care members and their dependents?
If you’re a GHI/Anthem Senior Care member, you will remain on your current plan. If GHI/Anthem Senior Care members have dependents who are enrolled in the GHI CBP/Anthem BlueCross and BlueShield plan who are not Medicare-eligible, those dependents will be moved to the new plan.
When will I get my new medical and hospital ID cards?
You will no longer have separate medical and hospital ID cards. Instead, you’ll have a single member ID card for all your medical needs with the same member ID number that you currently have. Your new member ID card, which will show you are a NYCE PPO member, should arrive before your coverage starts January 1, 2026. Please remember to only use your NYCE PPO member ID card after the plan’s coverage starts in January 2026.
Will my dependent still have their own member ID card?
Yes, dependents will receive their own member ID cards.
How can I get a duplicate medical ID card?
You will be able to easily view or download your NYCE PPO member ID card on the member portal or mobile app beginning January 1, 2026. You can also call EmblemHealth Customer Service at 212-501-4444 (TTY: 711) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, to ask for a duplicate medical card, or request one through the mobile app.
What will happen to my prescription drug coverage and ID card?
If you get prescription drugs through EmblemHealth, you will continue that coverage with the new prescription drug benefit manager, Prime Therapeutics. You will use your NYCE PPO member ID card for prescriptions. If you have prescription drug coverage through your union, you will continue using that ID card for your drug coverage. If you have more questions about drug benefits delivered through EmblemHealth, see the “Prescription drugs” section of this FAQ.
When should I stop using my current medical and hospital ID card(s)?
You should continue to use your GHI CBP and Anthem BlueCross and BlueShield plan member ID cards through December 31, 2025. After that, you’ll use the NYCE PPO member ID card.
Is there a new member portal?
Yes, you'll have a single, brand new member portal to help you get the most from your benefits. While it will be different from your current EmblemHealth and Anthem member portals, you will have all your information in one place.
Expect your NYCE PPO welcome package — including guidelines for using the portal and other important plan information — to arrive before January 1, 2026. Once you receive that package, you’ll be able to:
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Register for the new portal.
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Select your preference for paperless or paper communications.
If you have adult dependents, they will be able to register themselves and authorize you to view their information on their portal.
Will I be able to sign in to my old EmblemHealth and Anthem portals to see historical documents like Explanations of Benefits (EOBs)?
Yes, if you are registered for the EmblemHealth member portal by December 31, 2025, you will be able to view the previous two years of your EOBs and other historical plan materials through the EmblemHealth portal, which will be available until July 1, 2027. Your Anthem materials will be available in the Anthem portal through December 31, 2027.
Will there be a mobile app?
Yes, there will be a mobile app for NYCE PPO with easy, on-the go plan information (like providers, claims, etc.) plus features like live text and chat.
What programs does NYCE PPO offer to support my health journey?
NYCE PPO is here to support your health journey at every stage. We've developed a suite of programs that harness the combined power of EmblemHealth and UnitedHealthcare. Wherever you are in your health journey, you can benefit from our wellness programs, behavioral health program, Maternity CARE program, disease management program, convenient virtual care, and much more.