Effective Jan. 1, 2026, providers of clinical stabilization services (American Society of Addiction Medicine [ASAM] Level of Care 3.5) will be expected to complete admission notifications within 72 hours for members of our Tufts Health Together, Tufts Health Direct, Tufts Health Plan Senior Care Options, and Tufts Health One Care products. (Currently, providers have up to 11 days to issue notification.)

This change is intended to streamline behavioral health utilization management practices and simplify our providers’ experience by aligning with our current process for acute treatment services (ASAM Level 3.7) and to promote seamless coordination of care between all of those involved in the treatment of a common Point32Health patient. We’ve updated our Inpatient and Intermediate/Diversionary Behavioral Health/Substance Use Disorder (BH/SUD) Facility (Tufts Health Public Plans) Payment Policy and our Inpatient and Intermediate Behavioral Health/Substance Use Disorder Facility (Senior Products) Payment Policy to reflect the change. 

We encourage providers to submit notification through the Tufts Health Plan secure portal, or complete and return the Behavioral Health Notification Form according to the form’s instructions.