Beacon Health Strategies
Q. What is the change that takes place on July 1, 2013?
A. Beginning July 1, 2013 members in the GIC’s UniCare state plans, Tufts Health Plan Navigator and Tufts Health
Plan Sprit will receive their mental health and substance abuse benefits through Beacon Health Strategies
(Beacon). Beacon, a Massachusetts-based company, was established in 1996, as a behavioral health care
management leader covering 8.2 million members, including members of Fallon Community Health Plan and
Neighborhood Health Plan, two of the GIC’s health plans.
Q. Will my benefits, co-payments or deductibles change on July 1, 2013?
A. No. Benefits, co-payments and deductibles will not change.
Q. How can I find out if my current provider is in Beacon’s network?
A. There is an online tool to locate a provider at www.beaconhs.com/gic. You can also call Beacon at
855.750.8980 and speak to one of our Member Service Representatives.
Q. Can I keep seeing my current mental health or substance abuse provider?
A. Yes. Beacon is committed to making sure GIC members get the best care possible and that there is
continuity during this transition. Members are encouraged to use an in-network provider but members may
keep their current provider during this transition period, even if the provider isn’t in Beacon’s network. If the
provider you are seeing is not part of our network, we will cover your outpatient mental health and/or
substance abuse services for up to 90 days or 12 visits at the in-network benefit level.
Q. Where can I get more information about Beacon?
A. Visit Beacon’s GIC website: www.beaconhs.com/gic or call 855.750.8980.
Q. Do I need approval for a therapist?
A. You do not need approval for individual, family or group therapy. These visits do not have limits, but can be
based on medical necessity. For more information you can look at your Tufts Health Plan Member Handbook.
For referrals please contact Beacon at 855.750.8980.
Q. Do I need approval to see a psychiatrist?
A. You do not need approval to see a doctor who helps you with your medicines.
Q. Can I have as many visits as I want?
A. Your Tufts plan has unlimited visits, but can be based on medical necessity. Call Beacon at 855.750.8980 to
find out more.
Q. What other benefits am I eligible for?
A. You get therapy and help with your medicine. You also can go to the hospital if you are in trouble. You can
get help for drug or alcohol problems and you are also eligible for EAP benefits as well as other services. To get
a list of services and to learn more about your benefits, call Beacon at 855.750.8980.
BEACON HEALTH STRATEGIES | 200 State Street, Suite 302, Boston, MA 02109 | t. 617.747.1100 | f. 617.747.1230 | beaconhealthstrategies.com
Q. What is Beacon’s EAP benefit?
A. Beacon offers you an EAP benefit that can help with work-life balance, health and wellness, and other
personal issues. It doesn’t matter if it is a major life event, such as the death of a loved one, or simply the stresses
of everyday life. The program is completely confidential. No one will know whether you or an eligible
dependent uses the EAP benefit.
Q. How do I access my Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Benefits?
A. Your EAP benefits are provided through Beacon. The website is www.beaconhs.com/gic. When prompted,
enter access code GIC. For more information about your EAP benefits, please call Beacon at 855.750.8980 for
help.
Q. How do I find a doctor?
A. You can look online at www.beaconhs.com/gic. Click on Locate a Provider under Quicklinks. You can also
call Beacon at 855.750.8980 for help.
Q. What if I need to do things like order a new ID card or get a Member Handbook?
A. Please call Tufts Health Plan at 800.870.9488
Q. Do I need a referral from my PCP?
A. No referral is needed, but Beacon feels it is important for you to inform your PCP about all the care you are
receiving, including mental health and substance abuse care.
Q. What can I do if I am not happy about my services?
A. Call Beacon at 855.750.8980 to talk about it.
Q. Can I see someone that is not in the Beacon provider network?
A. Members are encouraged to use an in-network provider. If your Tufts plan has covered Out-of-Network
benefits you can see any provider, even if the provider isn’t in Beacon’s network.
Q. Can I see more than one provider?
A. You can see one doctor for your medicine and someone else just to talk to.
Q. What if I want to change my doctor or medications?
A. Call Beacon at 855.750.8980 for help.
Q. What do I do if a psychiatrist, therapist or hospital wants money from me?
A. It is possible that you could be billed for services, depending on your benefit. If you receive a bill, you can
call Beacon at 855.750.8980 for assistance.
Q. Does Beacon allow Member Reimbursement?
BEACON HEALTH STRATEGIES | 200 State Street, Suite 302, Boston, MA 02109 | t. 617.747.1100 | f. 617.747.1230 | beaconhealthstrategies.com
A. Yes, Members can submit claims on Beacon’s website www.beaconhs.com/gic or by mail to P.O. Box 527
Woburn, MA 01801.
Q. What if I have trouble hearing?
A. Call Beacon’s hard of hearing/ TTY line at 866.727.9441.
Q. Can I switch providers if I don’t like the provider I’ve been seeing?
A. Yes, in fact it is a good idea to stop seeing a provider that you do not feel is helpful. It is also good to tell your
new therapist about your last therapist. You are always welcome to call Beacon’s member service department
if you have any specific grievances or concerns about your treatment and to get names of providers in your
community.
Q. Can you explain the difference between provider degrees/licenses?
A. All of the degrees and licenses listed can do therapy: Social Workers, Psychologists, Licensed Mental Health
Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Psychiatric Nurses, and Psychiatrists. A psychiatrist and a psychiatric
nurse would be the person to see if you need medication. A Psychologist would be the person to see if you
need Psychological Testing. You can search our on-line provider database by provider specialty. If you have
questions, you can call Beacon’s member service department for assistance at 855.750.8980.
BEACON HEALTH STRATEGIES | 200 State Street, Suite 302, Boston, MA 02109 | t. 617.747.1100 | f. 617.747.1230 | beaconhealthstrategies.com