Better coverage.
Better care.
As a valued state or municipal employee, you always have a choice when it comes to your health plan. Here are some things to know during this year’s annual enrollment.
Annual Enrollment is Here
Annual Enrollment for Group Insurance Commission members is April 5 – May 3, 2023
It’s important to understand what health plans are available to you and what best fits your needs.
With a UniCare health plan you have the freedom to choose any provider, you are not required to choose a PCP and you do not need a referral to see a specialist. We offer three health plans for non-Medicare (commercial) GIC members and their families and one plan for Medicare members.
Choose Your Providers
Travel Access Network
No Referrals Needed
Why UniCare
UniCare is the only health plan that offers medical benefits exclusively to Group Insurance Commission members. Our plans provide benefits for any provider you go to because UniCare is an indemnity plan, which means there’s no provider network. In the PLUS and Community Choice plans, your benefits may be higher when you use UniCare-contracted providers, but you’re still free to use other providers.
UniCare Plan Comparison Chart
| UniCare Total Choice (formerly Basic) | UniCare PLUS | UniCare Community Choice | Other GIC Plans | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$$$$$ | $$$ | $ | $$-$$$$ |
|
No PCP Required | No PCP Required | No PCP Required | PCP May Be Required |
|
No Referrals | No Referrals | No Referrals | Need Referrals |
|
Travel anywhere and get covered | Travel anywhere and get covered | Travel anywhere and get covered | May vary |
|
|
YES | YES | YES | May vary |
|
New England | New England | Mass (exc Vineyard/Nantucket) | May vary |
|
Any hospital | Tiered | Tiered | May vary |
|
Dependents are Covered anywhere | Dependents are Covered anywhere | Dependents are Covered anywhere | May vary |
FAQs
What makes UniCare different from other plans offered through the GIC?
- UniCare is an indemnity plan, which means there’s no provider network. Our plans provide benefits for any provider you go to. In the PLUS and Community Choice plans, your benefits may be higher when you use UniCare-contracted providers, but you’re still free to use other providers.
- You are not required to choose a PCP.
- You do not need a referral to see a specialist.
Who is eligible to enroll in UniCare health plans?
UniCare plans are available to active (non-Medicare) GIC members who live in any of the six New England states: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, or Connecticut. UniCare’s Basic plan – which is being renamed Total Choice – will continue to be the only GIC plan offering for members who live outside the United States.
If you’re a GIC Medicare member, you can live anywhere in the U.S. and enroll in UniCare’s Medicare Extension plan.
I currently have a Tufts plan through the GIC. Because of Tufts’ merger with Harvard Pilgrim, my plan will be going away. What should I do?
If you are a current Tufts member who lives in New England, you will need to move to another plan. Be sure to review the available plan options to make sure you’re enrolling in the plan that best meets your needs. If you don’t select a plan, the GIC will auto-enroll you in another plan that may not be right for you.
I am a UniCare member and currently live in New England. Do I need to do anything?
No, there is nothing you need to do. UniCare members living in a New England state – Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, or Connecticut – can keep their plan. In fact, the GIC will automatically re-enroll you in your current plan.
Why is UniCare changing the name of the Basic plan to Total Choice?
Our members have been telling us for years: our Basic plan is anything but basic. It’s the GIC’s most comprehensive health plan – you can see any doctor, go to any hospital, always at the same benefit level. There’s no network to worry about, and no need to get referrals before seeking specialty care. We think it’s time for the plan name to reflect reality: as a UniCare plan member, you have Total Choice.
Looking to enroll?
Enroll in one of our plans online on the GIC website. Use myGICLink to submit your enrollment online. Or you can contact your GIC Coordinator for assistance.
Have more questions?
If you’re thinking about enrolling in a UniCare plan, give us a call to find out more: 877-633-6396