New Member FAQs
What is the definition of healthcare?
Healthcare is the organized delivery of medical services to individuals or communities for the purpose of maintaining or improving health. It includes the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of illness, injury, and other physical and mental health needs.
How does Yale Health insurance work?
Yale Health operates as an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), which means that most of your healthcare services will be provided at our facility located at 55 Lock Street in New Haven. This includes a wide range of services such as pharmacy, urgent care, blood draws, imaging, and both specialty and primary care, all delivered by our in-house staff. Yale Health is not only the medical provider but also the insurance carrier, and we are the primary organization that accepts our insurance, with very few exceptions. If a service covered by your benefits is needed but cannot be provided at the Yale Health Center, you may be referred to Yale Medicine or Yale New Haven Health for that care.
Now that I have elected Yale Health benefits, what’s next?
When does my Yale Health coverage start?
Your Yale Health coverage effective date depends on your date of hire. If you are hired on the first of a month, your coverage starts that day. If you are hired after the first of the month, your coverage starts on the first of the following month.
Who can I contact if I have questions about my Yale Health coverage?
Contact the Yale Health Member Liaison with questions regarding your transition of care to Yale Health, your benefits & coverage, or the New Member Checklist. You can also schedule a New Member Meeting & Building Tour.
How do I transfer my medical records to the Yale Health Center?
Complete a Release of Health Information Form for each member of your family to have copies of your medical records sent to Yale Health. Please send this form to the Health Information Management team.
When will I receive my Yale health member ID Card?
Member ID cards are not required for appointments at Yale Health, but they are useful for appointments outside the Yale Health Center or in emergencies. You can download a member ID card from our secure site.
How or when do I get assigned a Primary Care Provider (PCP)?
On or shortly after your coverage effective date, you, and your dependents if applicable, are assigned PCPs in all primary care departments: Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynecology. Members are assigned to clinicians who are accepting new members.
How will I know I’ve been assigned a PCP?
A welcome letter is emailed to you from Yale Health’s Member Liaison when you have been assigned a PCP. This letter contains important information regarding transitioning your care to the Yale Health Center.
When can I schedule an appointment with my PCP?
After you receive a welcome letter from the Yale Health Member Liaison, you can call schedule your first established care visit. Complete a Pediatric New Patient Initial Questionnaire for each child in your family. These forms can be emailed directly to our Health Information Management team. Please have this form submitted prior to your child’s first appointment.
What if I need to see a clinician or specialists right away?
If you have medical conditions that need attention when your coverage becomes effective, please contact the Yale Health Member Liaison.