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. With a UniCare plan, you will have:
- Coverage for prescription drugs (administered by Express Scripts for non-Medicare members and by SilverScript for Medicare members).
- Coverage for behavioral health services through Beacon Health Options’ network, the largest behavioral health network in the country.
- Coverage beyond the Commonwealth. When you travel or live outside Massachusetts, UniCare’s travel network protects you from unexpected bills.
Continue reading for more information about our plans and how to enroll.
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.
Benefits Overview
Download one of our brochures 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, so be sure to carefully read the member handbook to fully understand your benefits.
Review these common questions about our plans and please contact our team if you have any further questions.
An indemnity plan is a health plan that lets you use any medical provider (such as a doctor or hospital) without referrals for office visits to specialists, no matter where you choose to have the services. We offer two indemnity plans: Basic and Medicare Extension. Under these plans, you have total access to your doctors and hospitals. Plus, most services are paid at 100% of the allowed amount after any copay and deductible that may apply.
CIC stands for Comprehensive Insurance Coverage. Our two indemnity plans, Basic and Medicare Extension, have the CIC option. When you have CIC, more services are covered at 100% (compared to 80% without CIC). However, the same services are covered whether you have CIC or not.
Yes. More than 98% of our Basic and Medicare Extension members choose CIC. Members who do not select CIC may be subject to significant medical bills since many benefits are covered at 80% instead of 100%.
Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) are plans that have a network of doctors and 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.
How Can I Get More Information?
Check out this short video that compares our four plans.
Visit the Members Overview page to learn about the helpful resources available to you.
Call UniCare Member Services toll free to request plan materials:
Basic, PLUS, and Community Choice members call
833-663-4176
Medicare Extension members call
800-442-9300
Request plan materials by sending a message through our online form.
