The Montclair Girl Team 
This article is sponsored by Hackensack Meridian Health.
Winter in New Jersey is prime time for the cold and flu season. Between freezing temps, scratchy throats, lingering coughs, and shorter days. If your group chat has turned into a symptom check-in, you’re not alone. Staying on top of your health can suddenly feel more urgent and more complicated, right when everyone else is trying to book an appointment, too.
For residents looking for flexibility, Hackensack Meridian Health offers a 24/7 virtual care platform available statewide. Known as HMH 24/7, the service connects patients to Hackensack Meridian Medical Group physicians for urgent care, primary care, and mental health support – all through a phone or computer. Read on to learn more about how Hackensack Meridian Health’s 24/7 urgent care works, what it treats, and how New Jersey residents can access it.
What Is HMH 24/7?
HMH 24/7 is a virtual urgent and primary care platform available to patients anywhere in New Jersey. Through the website and app, patients can schedule same-day appointments, often within minutes, and meet with a board-certified physician.
The service treats hundreds of conditions, covering urgent care needs ( cold, flu, sinus infections, minor injuries) and primary care concerns like prescription refills, ongoing condition management, and referrals to specialists.
Because providers have access to patients’ electronic medical records within the Hackensack Meridian Health system, they can review medical history, coordinate care, and refer directly to specialists when needed. Spanish-speaking physicians are also available.
Why It Matters During Winter
Winter brings two common challenges: physical illness and seasonal mood changes.
For many people, shorter daylight can trigger symptoms associated with seasonal depression or increased anxiety. Accessing mental health support can sometimes involve long wait times or navigating multiple systems. Through HMH 24/7, patients can discuss concerns related to anxiety or depression, receive treatment, and get referrals to specialists such as psychiatrists if needed, all virtually.
At the same time, in-person urgent care centers often experience seasonal surges. A virtual option allows residents to address symptoms quickly without leaving home – especially on cold nights or during busy workweeks.
For communities in Hudson County, where many residents commute, work long hours, or are balancing family responsibilities, flexible care outside of standard office hours can make a meaningful difference.
Insurance + Accessibility
HMH 24/7 accepts most major insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Horizon, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Appointments are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across New Jersey.
The goal of the platform is straightforward: make it easier for residents to access trusted local physicians without adding another stop to an already full day.
The Essentials
Healthcare access —especially during the winter months —remains a timely issue for many in the community. As more systems shift toward hybrid and virtual models, understanding what’s available locally matters.
For New Jersey residents who are already part of the Hackensack Meridian Health network or who are simply looking for a more flexible care option, HMH 24/7 is an established resource that makes care more accessible year-round.
More information, including how to download the app or create an account, is available at hmh247.org.
