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Explore our Health Plans

UniCare is the only health plan that offers medical benefits exclusively to GIC members. We are uniquely positioned to tailor what we do to those who receive their health coverage through the GIC.

Download our Compare Our Plans brochure or our Medicare Extension brochure to review a summary of each plan’s benefits. Please note that benefits vary depending on the services you receive and the providers you see.

UniCare offers three health plans for non-Medicare GIC members and their families and one plan for Medicare members. Our plans differ by residency requirements; which providers you can use; what premiums you pay; and whether you are eligible for Medicare.

You can enroll in one of our plans online on the GIC website. Use myGICLink to submit your enrollment online. Or contact your GIC Coordinator for assistance.

Why UniCare?

With a UniCare plan, you will have:

  • Unparalleled customer service. Our member satisfaction rates consistently top 90%, and our members regularly renew year after year.
  • Your choice of provider. UniCare plans cover all providers. Use the plan’s contracted providers for the highest benefits at the lowest out-of-pocket costs.
  • No referral or PCP requirement. Our plans don’t require you to choose a Primary Care Physician (PCP) or to obtain referrals for specialty office visits.
  • Use any hospital. Receive services at any hospital, including the premier Boston-area teaching and research hospitals. Your copays may vary by hospital, depending on which UniCare plan you choose.
  • Travel coverage. When you travel outside of Massachusetts, UniCare’s travel network protects you from unexpected bills.
  • Prescription drug coverage. Administered by CVS Caremark. 
  • Behavioral health coverage. The  Carelon Behavioral Health network is the largest in the country.
  • Access to a range of digital tools and resources to get the care you need anywhere, anytime. Explore our virtual care options.
  • Discounts on products and services. Available through SpecialOffers to help you save money while taking care of your health. More information is at the bottom of this page.

Four Great Plans To Choose From

UniCare offers three health plans for non-Medicare GIC members and their families and one plan for Medicare members. Our plans differ by residency requirements; which providers you can use; what premiums you pay; and whether you are eligible for Medicare.

Select one of the four plans below to find out more.

  • Total Choice (formerly Basic)

     
  • PLUS

     
  • Community Choice

     
  • Medicare Extension

     
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Total Choice (formerly Basic)

Our members have been telling us for years: UniCare’s Basic plan was anything but basic. The plan’s new name reflects what it offers: Total Choice.

Total Choice lets you see any doctor and use any hospital – the benefits, and the cost to you stay the same.

There’s no tiering in Total Choice. You’re free to see any doctor without worrying if you’ll pay more. And your hospital costs stay the same whether you receive services at your nearby community hospital, at a Boston-area teaching hospital, or at a hospital you need when you travel.

You can enroll in Total Choice if you live in any of the six New England states. You can even be a Total Choice snowbird, as long as your registered home address is in New England.

Choose Total Choice if:

  • You live in one of the six New England states: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont, or Connecticut.
  • You have dependents who receive regular healthcare in other states.
  • You want the freedom to see any doctor – or go to any hospital – without any differences in coverage.
  • You have complex medical needs.
  • You’re comfortable with a higher premium for better plan flexibility and access.

Plan documents:

Ready to enroll in UniCare. Here’s How.

Enroll in one of our plans online on the GIC website. Use MyGICLink to submit your enrollment online. Or contact your GIC Coordinator for assistance.

Questions?

Call UniCare Member Services toll free at 877-633-6396. Or email us at contact.us@anthem.com.

PLUS

PLUS — flexibility and choice

If you live in New England, check out the PLUS plan. PLUS offers great benefits and flexibility at a lower premium.

PLUS keeps your out-of-pocket costs lowest when you use PLUS providers. All medical doctors and hospitals in Massachusetts are PLUS providers. So are all UniCare-contracted doctors and hospitals in the other New England states.

You have access to all the PLUS hospitals, including the Boston-area hospitals, with three copay tiers. You’ll pay the lowest copay at Tier 1 hospitals.

Your out-of-pocket costs will always be lowest when you use PLUS providers…but you’re still free to use non-PLUS providers at the non-PLUS deductible and 80% benefit level.

Choose PLUS if:

  • You and your dependents live and receive medical care in New England.
  • You generally receive medical care near home, but want the choice to use other providers too.
  • You want the option to use Boston-area teaching and research hospitals and are willing to pay more out-of-pocket if you do.
  • You’re comfortable with a higher premium to ensure broader access to providers.

Plan documents:

Ready to enroll in UniCare. Here’s How.

Enroll in one of our plans online on the GIC website. Use MyGICLink to submit your enrollment online. Or contact your GIC Coordinator for assistance.

Questions?

Call UniCare Member Services toll free at 877-633-6396. Or email us at contact.us@anthem.com

What is a PPO-type plan?

Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) are plans that have a network of doctors and/or hospitals that are "preferred" by the health plan. When you see a preferred provider, UniCare pays 100% of the allowed amount (after copay and deductible, if any). When you see a non-preferred provider, UniCare pays 80% of the allowed amount (after copay and deductible, if any), and you are responsible for the other 20%. Outside of Massachusetts, non-preferred providers may bill you for charges over what UniCare pays.

UniCare offers two PPO-type plans, Community Choice and PLUS.

  • Community Choice (our limited network plan) - Includes all Massachusetts doctors and 58 hospitals throughout Massachusetts. You can use non-Community Choice hospitals, but your out-of-pocket cost will be much higher. 
  • PLUS - Includes all Massachusetts doctors and hospitals. Members can also use UniCare contracted providers in other New England states.
Community Choice

If you live in Massachusetts and receive hospital services at one of the 58 Community Choice hospitals, you’ll enjoy the lowest premiums of any GIC offering, with the same benefits as our higher-premium plans.

In Community Choice, non-hospital services – including doctor visits – are covered the same no matter where you go or who you see.

The Community Choice plan is designed for those who receive their hospital services at a Community Choice hospital. But if the need arises, you still have the freedom to receive services at other hospitals at the non-Community Choice 80% benefit level.

Community Choice hospitals are located across Massachusetts – even Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and Children’s Hospital Boston are Community Choice. There’s bound to be a plan hospital near you.

Community Choice is not available in Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard.

Choose Community Choice if:

  • You and your dependents live and receive medical care in Massachusetts.
  • You receive most elective hospital services at a nearby community hospital.
  • You’d like to keep your premium as low as possible.
  • You’re okay with paying more out-of-pocket if you receive services at a non-Community Choice hospital.

Plan documents:

Ready to enroll in UniCare. Here’s How.

Enroll in one of our plans online on the GIC website. Use MyGICLink to submit your enrollment online. Or contact your GIC Coordinator for assistance.

Questions?

Call UniCare Member Services toll free at 877-633-6396. Or email us at contact.us@anthem.com.

What is a PPO-type plan?

Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) are plans that have a network of doctors and/or hospitals that are "preferred" by the health plan. When you see a preferred provider, UniCare pays 100% of the allowed amount (after copay and deductible, if any). When you see a non-preferred provider, UniCare pays 80% of the allowed amount (after copay and deductible, if any), and you are responsible for the other 20%. Outside of Massachusetts, non-preferred providers may bill you for charges over what UniCare pays.

UniCare offers two PPO-type plans, Community Choice and PLUS.

  • Community Choice (our limited network plan) - Includes all Massachusetts doctors and 58 hospitals throughout Massachusetts. You can use non-Community Choice hospitals, but your out-of-pocket cost will be much higher.
  • PLUS - Includes all Massachusetts doctors and hospitals. Members can also use UniCare contracted providers in other New England states.
Medicare Extension

The trusted choice for GIC Medicare Retirees

The Medicare Extension plan offers everything you want in a health plan. In fact, the majority of GIC Medicare retirees choose this plan. Here are some reasons why:

  • You can use any doctor or hospital in the U.S. for both routine and ongoing care, as well as emergency care – even when you’re away from home. You will receive the highest benefit when you use Medicare participating providers.
  • UniCare’s experienced Member Services team serves GIC members only, providing expert support for your questions or concerns.
  • We cover some things Medicare doesn’t cover, like hearing aids and routine eye exams.
  • You have coverage for prescription drugs, eliminating a coverage gap that could leave you with high bills.
  • You save on the following copays:
    • You have a $10 copay for visits to doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as well as at urgent care centers and retail medical clinics. With other Medicare plans available through the GIC you would pay more for most doctor visits.
    • You have no copay for the first four outpatient visits with an in-network behavioral health provider, and a $10 copay for any additional visits.
    • You pay no calendar year deductible and have no lifetime maximums or limits for pre-existing conditions.
  • Our plan offers you the convenience of automatic Medicare crossover. This means your claims are sent directly from Medicare to UniCare so you do not need to file twice.

Ready to enroll in UniCare. Here’s How.

Enroll in one of our plans online on the GIC website. Use MyGICLink to submit your enrollment online. Or contact your GIC Coordinator for assistance.

Questions?

Call UniCare Member Services toll free at 877-633-6396. Or email us at contact.us@anthem.com.

Looking for Plan Materials?

Materials for the July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 plan year are available now. Visit our plan materials page for more information.

If you’re thinking about enrolling in a UniCare plan, give us a call to find out more at 877-633-6396

Why GIC Members Choose UniCare

From providing coverage for out-of-state dependents to offering best-in-class customer service, our GIC members share why they chose a UniCare health plan.

"The mark of a great insurance company is how it works when things go unexpectedly wrong. In August I had a terrible fall… I never had to worry about a doctor refusing my insurance or which doctor I visited for treatment. When I called to ask a question, I always spoke with a real human being. Although my accident was terrible, the care that I received was excellent."

Gail, UniCare member for over 20 years

More Member Testimonials

Virtual Care & Member Resources

Virtual Care Options

With Virtual Care, the doctor is always in. Put your health first, even if you’re busy – we’re here for you day and night. Virtual care doctors can diagnose many conditions, follow up on other care you’ve had, and arrange for lab work. Behavioral health providers are available too. Virtual care supports your whole health.

  • Sydney Mobile Health App – Your personalized app for UniCare resources and plan communications, using a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a webcam.
  • Talkspace – A virtual service that connects members with licensed mental health providers for counseling, therapy and medication support.
  • LiveHealth Online – Our telehealth option lets you speak with a speak with a doctor 24/7, through your smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access and a webcam.
  • TytoCare – At-home exam kits for better telehealth.
  • 24-Hour Nurse Line – Nurses are here to answer your questions 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Ibis Health Program – Retirees can receive daily connected virtual care to help manage multiple chronic conditions at home.

Member Resources

  • Whole Health, Whole You – Our health guides and primary nurses give you personalized answers and guidance.
  • Find Care – Find current primary and specialty care medical providers and see which tier your Massachusetts specialist is designated as.
  • Mass4YOU Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for active state and municipal employees and their dependents – Check out the many free resources available to you.

UniCare Wellness Programs & Discounts

As a UniCare member, you can take advantage of programs, online tools, benefits, and discounts that can enhance your well-being. You can qualify for discounts on fitness and wellness products that promote better health through our SpecialOffers program.*

To find all discounts available to you, log into the UniCare member portal.

If you have questions or need help call UniCare Member Services toll free (833-663-4176 for Total Choice (formerly Basic), PLUS, and Community Choice members or 800-442-9300 for Medicare Extension members).

*All discounts are subject to change without notice.

Save money on glasses, LASIK surgery, hearing aids, and dental aligners.
Log in to find discounts available to you.

Receive discounts on health and wellness coaching programs, vitamins, and allergy products.
Log in to find discounts available to you.

How Can I Get More Information?

 

Visit the Members Overview page to learn about the helpful resources available to you.

 

Call UniCare Member Services toll free to request plan materials:

Total Choice (formerly Basic), PLUS, and Community Choice members call
833-663-4176

Medicare Extension members call
800-442-9300

Request plan materials by calling Member Services.