Unicare Private Insurance: What You Need To Know

UniCare, now known as Wellpoint, is a health insurance company that has been serving individuals and families in Massachusetts for over three decades. As of July 1, 2024, UniCare changed its name to Wellpoint to reflect its mission of supporting the health needs of its members and their families. Wellpoint is the only health plan that offers exclusive benefits to Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission (GIC) members, providing high-quality, affordable health insurance to over 220,000 subscribers.

UniCare is now Wellpoint

UniCare, a private health insurance company, has been serving individuals in Massachusetts through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) for over three decades. As of July 1, 2024, UniCare Massachusetts has officially rebranded as Wellpoint. This name change reflects the company's commitment to supporting its members' whole health, encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.

The transition from UniCare to Wellpoint is more than just a change in nomenclature. Wellpoint's mission is to broaden the traditional view of healthcare by addressing the behavioural and social factors that impact an individual's health. This approach aims to improve overall health and enhance healthcare affordability, especially for those living on modest or fixed incomes.

Wellpoint, an affiliate of Elevance Health, continues UniCare's legacy of providing health coverage to GIC members and their families in Massachusetts. The company's experience, dedication, and commitment to serving the Commonwealth's hard-working public servants remain unwavering.

While the name has evolved, there are no changes to insurance coverage, healthcare benefits, plan design, or provider access for UniCare enrollees. Members can rest assured that their health plan will operate as before, with no disruptions to their care. Wellpoint will also notify healthcare providers of the name change, ensuring a seamless transition for its members.

Wellpoint offers affordable, whole-person health plans tailored to individual and family needs. With a focus on the whole person, Wellpoint believes in addressing health beyond the physical to include the behavioural and social aspects that influence overall well-being.

Wellpoint offers health plans for GIC members

UniCare Massachusetts has been renamed Wellpoint, effective July 1, 2024. Wellpoint offers health plans for Group Insurance Commission (GIC) members in Massachusetts. Wellpoint has served individuals with health coverage through the GIC of Massachusetts for over three decades, previously under the UniCare name.

Wellpoint is the only health plan that offers healthcare benefits exclusively to GIC members in Massachusetts. The company is well-positioned to tailor its services to GIC members, and its customer service is highly regarded, with member satisfaction rates consistently topping 90%.

Wellpoint plans cover all doctors, facilities, and healthcare providers. Members can use the plan's contracted providers to receive the highest benefits at the lowest out-of-pocket costs. There is no requirement to choose a primary care provider (PCP) or to obtain referrals for specialty office visits. Wellpoint also offers a travel network that protects members from unexpected bills when they travel.

Wellpoint offers four main plans: Total Choice, PLUS, Community Choice, and Medicare Extension. These plans differ in residency requirements, providers that bring the highest benefit levels, out-of-pocket costs, and premiums. For example, the Community Choice plan offers the lowest premiums of any GIC offering for those who live in Massachusetts and receive hospital-based care at Community Choice hospitals.

In addition to these plans, Wellpoint provides extra benefits such as the Sydney Health app, which allows members to find doctors, access ID cards, and chat with live agents. Wellpoint also offers reimbursements for fitness activities, diabetes prevention programs, and tobacco cessation counseling. The Mass4YOU Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free resources for active GIC members, including health assessments, virtual care options, and discounts on health-related products and services.

Wellpoint offers indemnity and PPO plans

UniCare Massachusetts has been officially known as Wellpoint since July 1, 2024. Wellpoint offers indemnity and PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans to its members. These plans offer flexibility and choice, allowing members to use any medical provider without referrals and with higher coverage when using a preferred provider.

Wellpoint's indemnity plans, such as Total Choice and Medicare Extension, provide members with the freedom to choose any medical provider without referrals and with consistent coverage. This means that members can seek care from any doctor, hospital, or healthcare provider without restrictions.

On the other hand, Wellpoint's PPO plans, like PLUS and Community Choice, also offer the option to use any medical provider. However, members can maximise their benefits by utilising preferred providers. By choosing these providers, members can enjoy higher coverage levels and lower out-of-pocket expenses.

Both the indemnity and PPO plans cater to the diverse needs of Wellpoint's members. The indemnity plans offer unrestricted access to medical professionals, ensuring comprehensive coverage regardless of the provider chosen. Meanwhile, the PPO plans give members the flexibility to use any provider while incentivising the use of preferred providers to optimise their benefits.

Wellpoint's commitment to its members is evident through its range of plan options. By offering both indemnity and PPO plans, Wellpoint ensures that members can select the most suitable option based on their personal preferences, residency requirements, desired benefit levels, out-of-pocket expenses, and premiums. This flexibility empowers members to make informed choices regarding their healthcare coverage.

UniCare served individuals with health coverage through the GIC

UniCare, now known as Wellpoint, has served individuals and their families with health coverage through the Group Insurance Commission of Massachusetts (GIC) for over three decades. As of July 1, 2024, the organisation changed its name to Wellpoint, but its dedication and commitment to the hardworking public servants of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts remain stronger than ever.

Wellpoint offers a range of health plans for GIC members, prioritising the health needs of its members and their families. The company provides a variety of whole health resources to support members throughout their lives, from birth to retirement. This includes virtual care options, where doctors are available day and night to diagnose conditions, follow up on previous care, and arrange for lab work. Behavioural health providers are also accessible through this service.

Wellpoint is committed to delivering better care to its members and improving the health of its communities. It works closely with doctors and facilities to ensure they meet national quality standards and helps members make informed choices by providing health information and procedure costs. The company also offers personalised alerts and messages, an electronic health record, and a mobile app to find doctors on the go.

In addition to health coverage, Wellpoint provides special offers and discounts on health-related products and services, such as health club fees, weight management programs, and stress reduction programs. The company also offers reimbursement for fitness activities, diabetes prevention programs, and tobacco cessation counselling, further demonstrating its commitment to the health and well-being of its members.

Wellpoint has unparalleled customer service

UniCare Massachusetts has been renamed Wellpoint, effective July 1, 2024. Wellpoint has unparalleled customer service, as evidenced by its commitment to delivering whole-person health insurance plans and solutions. This means that Wellpoint goes beyond physical health and recognizes the behavioural and social drivers that impact it. Their dedication to their customers is also reflected in their commitment to serving individuals with health coverage through the Group Insurance Commission of Massachusetts (GIC) for over three decades.

Wellpoint offers a variety of health plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and Individual and Family insurance. They provide easy-to-use tools and comprehensive solutions to keep the whole family healthy. For instance, their members get mobile access to manage their health plans on-the-go and can find doctors, access ID cards, and chat with live agents via their secure accounts. Wellpoint also offers Dual Medicare Advantage plans, which may include an allowance for groceries, a $0 monthly premium, and $0 prescription drug copays.

Wellpoint's customer service extends to their accessibility and willingness to help. They offer translation and alternate format services for free and have licensed agents available 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Their website also provides a live chat feature, where members can get help with understanding their benefits and finding providers near them.

Wellpoint's customer-centric approach is further demonstrated by their commitment to ensuring that brand changes will not impact their members' coverage, access to healthcare providers, or level of support. They prioritize their members' well-being and encourage them to pay attention to any necessary renewal actions to maintain their coverage. Wellpoint's focus on the whole person and their dedication to delivering comprehensive health solutions showcase their unparalleled customer service.

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