Integration FAQ

What product changes are planned?

As part of our integration, Point32Health has been evaluating the products offered by our legacy Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan brands, as well as market needs. Some things will remain the same. You can expect us to continue to offer a broad range of comprehensive plans that improve the well-being of members and their families, guiding them on their journey to better health outcomes. You’ll also continue to see the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan brands in the market, as the health plans of our members.

You’ll notice some changes too. We have begun integrating certain products, which we believe will allow us to offer more innovation, more access, and an even better experience for providers, members, employers, and brokers in our service area. We anticipate this integration work to continue throughout 2023 and 2024:

• Stride (HMO) Medicare Advantage: As of Jan. 1, 2022, we offer the 5-Star Medicare Advantage Plan — Tufts Medicare Preferred — as the Medicare Advantage option for seniors in Massachusetts. While we no longer offer Harvard Pilgrim Health Care’s Stride^SM (HMO) Medicare Advantage Plans in Massachusetts and Maine, we do continue to offer Stride in certain counties in New Hampshire. We also continue to offer Medicare Supplement Plans in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire.
• Commercial products:  Tufts Health Plan’s employer group clients and members of individual and small group products (including those serviced by our intermediary partners) in Massachusetts began transitioning to the Harvard Pilgrim product portfolio starting on Jan. 1, 2023, as the Commercial Markets business moves toward a more unified product portfolio. These transitions will occur on the health plan renewal date. Additional segments of Tufts Health Plan employer clients and members will migrate in 2024. With these product migrations, certain Tufts Health Plan products will no longer be offered, and comparable Harvard Pilgrim products will be offered to these employer group clients, as well as individual members. We will continue to offer our Harvard Pilgrim Commercial products in Maine and New Hampshire. As of July 1, 2023, Tufts Health Plan’s Group Insurance Commission (GIC) products, Tufts Navigator and Tufts Spirit, will be retired, and members of these plans will be transitioned to Harvard Pilgrim’s GIC products: Harvard Pilgrim Quality HMO and Harvard Pilgrim Explorer POS.
• Tufts Medicare Complement: Members of Tufts Medicare Complement plans (group Medicare) also began migrating to Harvard Pilgrim’s Medicare Enhance product, starting on Jan. 1, 2023.

In support of a smooth transition, we will be communicating extensively with members, brokers, employers, and providers, sending broad-based updates, as well as direct and individual communications to explain these changes. These communications are being delivered through a variety of channels: as part of renewal processes, via newsletters, and direct to employer and member updates. Provider groups that are also employer clients should contact their account management team with any questions.

Will you offer products under the name “Point32Health” in the market?

No, while we are officially one organization, our heritage brands and products will remain in the market. We will continue to offer plans under our Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan legacy brands; the Point32Health name is not being actively marketed as a consumer brand.

Will all Commercial members of Tufts Health Plan be moved to a Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Commercial product all at once?

No, Commercial employer group clients and members will migrate to Harvard Pilgrim products throughout a staggered and thoughtful timeline — beginning on Jan. 1, 2023. This approach focuses on minimizing disruption and aligns to core renewal cycles for the business as well as specific employer groups.

Our Commercial account management team will have direct conversations with provider groups that are also employer group clients to determine optimal timing and address any migration concerns, as needed.

We anticipate that the combination of our Commercial products will continue through Jan. 2025.

How will I recognize if a member has changed plans?

Every member who has a medical plan change will receive a new member ID card prior to their effective date, as part of our standard open enrollment and renewal processes. Members are always instructed to present any new member ID card that they receive to their providers to ensure accuracy in billings, claims, and payments.

In addition, we encourage your office to check eligibility and benefits using our online provider tools. You can check member eligibility and benefits for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care members using our HPHConnect portal. For more options, refer to the Determining Eligibility Policy in the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Commercial Provider Manual. To check member eligibility and benefits for Tufts Health Plan members, visit the Tufts Health Plan secure provider portal or refer to the relevant Provider Manual.

If my trading partner sends an eligibility transaction to Tufts Health Plan, but the member is now with Harvard Pilgrim, will I need to resend the transaction?

No, in an effort to minimize eligibility transaction rejections for migrating members and resubmissions, Point32Health is automatically returning eligibility information for migrating members with the correct Plan details. For example, if a request is sent to Tufts Health Plan for a member who recently migrated from Tufts Health Plan Commercial to Harvard Pilgrim Commercial, information returned will note the correct Harvard Pilgrim policy and benefit information. If you utilize a trading partner, please make them aware of this information.

Can I call either Provider Service Center with questions?

Please continue to call the member’s appropriate heritage organization with questions — please refer to the member’s ID card for the Provider Service Center contact information. For example, if for the service date you are inquiring about the member is enrolled in a Harvard Pilgrim Health Care plan, please contact the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Provider Service Center; if the member is enrolled in a Tufts Health Plan product for that service date, please contact the Tufts Health Plan Provider Service Center.

Will there be any changes to how I bill for service?

You should continue to follow the guidelines for the plan/legacy brand that is in effect for the member at the time of service. Please refer to the appropriate provider website for details on billing and claims submission: Tufts Health Plan provider website or Harvard Pilgrim Health Care provider website.

Are you aligning your Payment Policies?

We have been reviewing and assessing Payment Policies for each legacy organization with the intent to align them for greater ease and efficiency. The majority of our Payment Policies have undergone review, and in cases where significant updates were made, we announced those changes via our monthly provider newsletters. We will have completed review of all remaining guidelines by January 2023 and will continue to provide notice of substantive changes in our provider newsletters. Please keep in mind that Payment Policies may vary based on product line and related coverage mandates (for example, Commercial Payment Policies may differ from Payment Policies for Medicare or Public Plans products).

You can access Payment Policies here on our public provider websites: the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Payment Policy page and the Tufts Health Plan Resource Center.

How will claims that span a member’s migration date appear on my EOPs/835s?

When a service for a migrating member spans the migration date, Tufts Health Plan will pay for services prior to the migration date and Harvard Pilgrim will pay for services on and after the migration date. There is no need for the provider to resend a claim; in an effort to minimize provider disruption, Point32Health is automatically entering the claim into our legacy organizations’ processing systems. However, we want you to be aware that providers will receive 2 Explanations of Payment/835s for spanned claims: one from each legacy organization. While your statements will reflect two different payers and claim numbers, the date of service and total charges will be identical on both statements. You’ll see that each organization will process their portion of the claim and deny the portion that the other legacy organization is responsible for. The EOP/835 will include messaging that says: “Dates of service following migration between THP and HPHC adjudication systems have been denied and transferred to the appropriate system for processing and adjudication. No further provider action needed” or “The claim/service has been transferred to the proper payer/processor for processing. Claim/service not covered by this payer/processor.”

Will Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan be using the same pharmacy benefit manager in 2023?

Yes, as we announced in September 2021, Point32Health selected OptumRx as the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) for all Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim plans, effective Jan. 1, 2023. The new collaboration between Point32Health and OptumRx further broadens the long-term strategic relationships the legacy Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan brands have already fostered with Optum.

What are the benefits of this collaboration?

The multi-year agreement will provide PBM solutions that will enhance pharmacy services and deliver improved pricing for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan members.

What services will OptumRx provide?

OptumRx will support the delivery of convenient and affordable access to prescription medications to Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan members through a comprehensive retail, specialty, and mail-order pharmacy network that includes more than 67,000 pharmacies nationwide, including all major chains such as CVS.

OptumRx will be administering pharmacy claims payment, providing specialty pharmacy and mail-order services, and managing the pharmacy network across both legacy organizations — for a more streamlined, efficient provider experience.

What are the key differences for providers?

The following chart notes the key changes for each legacy organization:

Tufts Health Plan

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

Will Point32Health continue to develop and manage the drug formularies?

Yes, Point32Health will continue to develop and manage the prescription drug formularies.

When will the new formularies be available?

The 2023 prescription drug formularies took effect on Jan. 1, 2023 and are posted to our legacy organizations’ respective provider websites.

Who is responsible for pharmacy utilization management and appeals?

Point32Health is responsible for developing the pharmacy medical necessity guidelines, as well as conducting prior authorization reviews and managing appeals.

What is the benefit of having Point32Health conduct pharmacy utilization management?

This enables us to deliver a more seamless provider experience by having a single point of contact to support providers with most medical and pharmacy benefit requests. There are a few exceptions: CareLink will continue to utilize Cigna; HPI will continue to conduct its own utilization management; and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care will continue to leverage the oncology and radiation oncology medical management program administered by OncoHealth.

Will the pharmacy medical necessity guidelines be consistent between the legacy brands?

For greater simplicity and an improved member and provider experience, Point32Health is unifying our pharmacy medical necessity guidelines within product lines. For example, the same pharmacy medical necessity guidelines will apply for Commercial Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Commercial Tufts Health Plan members. Guidelines may vary across product lines, however (for example, Commercial and Public Plans policies may differ).

How will you support continuity of care for migrating members?

To ensure our members have uninterrupted access to their medication and reduce your administrative burden, we will do the following:

• Authorizations: We will transfer all active prior authorizations. These will remain valid for the length of the approval. There is no need to request a new authorization if previously obtained. Please keep in mind, however, that you should continue to notify the Plan of any changes to the authorization as you would today, in accordance with our authorization policies.
• Retail pharmacy prescriptions: Retail pharmacy prescriptions will remain active, and providers will not need to issue new prescriptions for members.
• Mail order: For Tufts Health Plan members who currently receive mail order drugs through CVS mail order, we transferred prescriptions with available refills automatically to OptumRx home delivery prior to Jan. 1. On Jan. 1, members will be able to access the OptumRx portal to set up a new account and enter payment information. There are no mail order changes for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care members.
• Specialty refills: For any prescriptions in which the member‘s pharmacy benefit requires the member to use our designated Specialty pharmacy, we will transfer these specialty refills to OptumRx. Some plans, such as Medicare members, Rhode Island commercial members, and Medicaid members can continue to fill prescriptions at their current specialty pharmacy or may choose to use Optum specialty. Member’s whose plans require the use of Optum for specialty pharmacy will receive additional information by mail, as well as a follow up phone call.

How should providers request authorization for pharmacy medications?

We have developed a new electronic tool, PromptPA, to enable quick, easy submission of prior authorization requests for both pharmacy benefit and medical benefit drugs. You can access PromptPA through our provider portals (Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan) or directly through a dedicated website. Online submission enables you to easily view medical necessity guidelines, attach clinical information, check the status of your request, and receive a response more quickly. We also encourage the use of electronic prior authorization (ePA) through EMR, CoverMyMeds, or Surescripts.

Alternatively, you can submit prior authorization requests via FAX using the corresponding request forms. Updated forms — with new fax numbers — are available in the pharmacy sections of our provider websites.

How can I learn more about PromptPA?

You can learn about PromptPA by referencing this user guide to help you get started.

Who will be conducting utilization management for medical drugs?

Point32Health developed the medical necessity guidelines for medical benefit drugs and conducts utilization review, effective Jan. 1, 2023. As noted above, Point32Health has a team dedicated to conducting utilization management for drugs associated with the pharmacy and medical benefits. By having this single point of contact for both legacy brands, we hope to reduce your administrative burden and improve your experience in doing business with us.

When will the new medical drug guidelines be available?

The new medical necessity guidelines for medical benefit drugs were posted on our provider websites on Nov. 1, 2022. You’ll find these policies on a dedicated Medical Drug Medical Necessity Guidelines webpage on the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care provider website and in the Resource Center for Tufts Health Plan.

Do you anticipate changes in the number of medical drugs that require prior authorization?

As we bring our medical benefit drug policies into alignment within lines of business, we anticipate the changes noted below. As a whole, the medical drugs requiring prior authorization will largely remain the same — and in some cases, authorization will no longer be required.

• Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Commercial: Prior authorization will no longer be required for IVIG/SCIG drugs for members under age 18; for non-oncology uses of 13 medical drugs; and for approximately 35 other drugs for various reasons (i.e., improving access, low risk of misuse). For the OncoHealth program that currently applies for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Commercial members, Point32Health is removing prior authorization from 3 medical drugs. Prior authorization will be added for 3 medical benefit drugs.
• Tufts Health Plan Commercial & Direct: Prior authorization will be added for 13 medical drugs. The administration codes for botulinum toxin (Botox, Myobloc, Dysport, and Xeomin) will no longer require prior authorization.
• Tufts Health Public Plans: The administration codes for botulinum toxin (Botox, Myobloc, Dysport, and Xeomin) will no longer require prior authorization. Prior authorization will be newly required for 4 medical drugs for Tufts Health RITogether.
• Tufts Health Plan Medicare Plans: Prior authorization will be newly required for 7 medical drugs and will be removed from 2 medical drugs.
• Harvard Pilgrim Stride^SM (HMO) Medicare Advantage: Prior authorization will be removed from 19 drugs when used for non-oncology purposes and 2 medical drugs for all purposes. Prior authorization will be newly required for 85 medical drugs. For complete information, refer to the medical necessity guidelines for medical drugs that will be available on our provider websites by Nov. 1.

Which specialty pharmacies will be utilized for medical benefit drugs?

Providers can continue to obtain medical benefit drugs via buy-and-bill or can continue to obtain certain medical benefit drugs at contracted specialty pharmacies. There is no change in contracted specialty pharmacies providing medical benefit drugs. For Tufts Health Plan Commercial, Medicare, and Direct members, these include Accredo and CVS Caremark. For Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Commercial members, these include Accredo, CVS Caremark, Eversana LifeScience Services LLC, Genoa Healthcare, Freedom Fertility Pharmacy, Orsini Pharmaceutical Services, PANTHERx, and Village Fertility Pharmacy, as well as certain facilities where the member may be receiving care. For more information, please refer to this list of Specialty Pharmacies providing medical benefit drugs for Harvard Pilgrim members and this list for Tufts Health Plan members.

How are dose/frequency limits applied?

To ensure the safe and appropriate use of medications, Point32Health applies industry standard maximum dosage and frequency guidelines to medications covered under the medical benefit in accordance with FDA-approved labeling, recognized compendia uses, and evidence-based guidelines. Dose and frequency limits are applied during claims processing; when receiving prior authorization for a medical benefit drug, the authorization will not note the dose/frequency limitation.

For more information about FDA-approved drugs, visit the Drugs@FDA webpage.

How should providers request authorization for medical benefit drugs?

As noted above, we have developed a new electronic tool, PromptPA, to enable quick, easy submission of prior authorization requests for drugs associated with both the pharmacy and medical benefits. Beginning on Jan. 1, you will be able to access PromptPA through our respective legacy Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan provider portals or directly through a dedicated website. Online submission enables you to easily view medical necessity guidelines, attach clinical information, check status, and receive a response more quickly. We also encourage the use of electronic prior authorization (ePA) through EMR, CoverMyMeds, or Surescripts. Alternatively, you can submit prior authorization requests via FAX using corresponding request forms. Updated forms — with new fax numbers — are available in the pharmacy sections of our provider websites.

Will existing authorizations for medical benefit drugs be carried over?

Yes, any approved authorizations for medical benefit drugs will remain active through the end date of the authorization. For existing Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Commercial members this means that any authorizations that were reviewed and approved by CVS Health-Novologix will be uploaded into Harvard Pilgrim Health Care’s systems and will be honored. For members moving from Tufts Health Plan Commercial plans to Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Commercial plans, any open medical drug benefit authorizations will also continue to be valid through the end date identified on the authorization. If you have questions about the transfer of a medical drug authorization for a member who is being moved from a Tufts Health Plan Commercial product to a Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Commercial product, you may call the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Provider Service Center at 800-708-4414 (option 1, then option 7).

Are you aligning your medical necessity guidelines?

Throughout this year, we have been reviewing and assessing medical necessity guidelines for each legacy organization with the intent to align them for greater ease and efficiency. The majority of our guidelines have undergone review, and in cases where significant updates were made, we announced those changes via our monthly provider newsletters. We will have completed review of all remaining guidelines by January 2023 and will continue to provide notice of substantive changes in our provider newsletters.

Will existing authorizations be honored for Commercial members transitioning from Tufts Health Plan to Harvard Pilgrim Health Care?

Yes, as part of our commitment to facilitating a seamless transition for members and providers, any existing authorizations for medical and behavioral health services will be valid. This means that providers will not have to submit a duplicate authorization request for the same services/time period for migrating members. The existing authorization will be valid through the expiration date.

How can I be certain an existing medical service authorization was transitioned for a Commercial migrating member?

If you have questions about the transfer of a medical authorization for migrating Commercial members, you may call the Provider Service Center at 800-708-4414 (option 1, then option 7).

Will existing referrals also be honored for Commercial migrating members?

We will honor active, open referrals for members migrating from a Tufts Health Plan Commercial plan to a Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Commercial plan.

What will happen if a Commercial migrating member is currently receiving care management services with Tufts Health Plan?

Care management services are vital to improving patient care by enhancing coordination of care, eliminating duplication, and aiding patients and caregivers in more effectively managing their health conditions. We will transfer medical care management cases from Tufts Health Plan’s care management team to Harvard Pilgrim Health Care’s care management team and will ensure that the member continues to receive care management services.

For behavioral health services, if a migrating member is working with a Tufts Health Plan behavioral health care manager, from dates of service between Jan. 1 – July 1, 2023, the case will be transitioned to Optum, which currently provides behavioral health services for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care members. Beginning July 1, 2023, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care will provide behavioral health care management services directly.

What will happen if a Commercial migrating member is at an inpatient facility at the time of their plan change?

For patients receiving inpatient care at the time of their plan migration, medical care management services will continue to be provided by the Tufts Health Plan care management team. Upon discharge, the case will be transferred to the appropriate care management team: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care’s team for medical care management and Optum for behavioral health care management (until the time of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care’s behavioral health insourcing in July 2023).

What will happen if a commercial migrating member is receiving care from a provider who is not in the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care network?

We are committed to ensuring as little disruption for members and providers as possible. Given the robustness of our networks and similarities in composition, we anticipate that the vast majority of members will be able to continue to see their providers without interruption. In the event that a migrating member is currently in active care with a provider who isn’t in the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care network for their new product, the member can utilize Harvard Pilgrim Health Care’s standard Continuity of Care policy for between 90-180 days depending on the date of the member’s migration. For more information, please refer to the Continuity of Care/Transitional Care Request Form.

Are there any changes to vendor medical management programs?

For Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, medical benefit drug management will be managed in-house, rather than by CVS Health-Novologix, beginning on Jan. 1, 2023. The programs managed in partnership with AIM Specialty Health, National Imaging Associates (NIA), OncoHealth, Progeny Health and EviCore will remain in place. While Tufts Health Plan must receive authorization from EviCore for sleep studies, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care members must receive authorization for sleep studies from NIA; thus, once a member moves from a Tufts Health Plan Commercial product to Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Commercial product, the providers would request new authorizations for sleep studies from NIA. For information on vendor programs, please refer to the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Vendor Program page and Tufts Health Plan Vendor Information page on the legacy organizations’ provider websites.

At the end of the Continuity of Care timeframe, options include: the member selecting an in-network provider; the provider can submit for medical necessity review; the provider can discuss becoming a participating provider with network contracting, or if the member is in a PPO product they could continue to see the provider based on out-of-network rules.

Will the authorization my patient received for oral formula be honored when they migrate from Tufts Health Plan to Harvard Pilgrim, and how will the patient receive the formula?

If your patient has an approved authorization for oral formula from Tufts, the authorization will be honored when the patient is moved to a Harvard Pilgrim plan, and the member can continue to receive their oral formula through a DME provider as they have been, through the end date of the authorization.

Please note, though, that under Harvard Pilgrim’s current process for oral formula the member would receive the oral formula through the pharmacy, not the DME; for any new authorization requests for Harvard Pilgrim members, please follow the standard process. However, as of April 1, 2023, that is changing and members of Harvard Pilgrim’s Commercial and Stride (HMO)/(HMO-POS) plans will obtain oral enteral formulas through a DME provider. For details, refer to this article in the February 2023 newsletter.

For more information, please refer to the Formulas and Enteral Nutrition medical necessity guidelines.

What changes are anticipated for behavioral health?
Behavioral health care plays an essential role in the overall health and wellbeing of individuals, and we’re focused on ensuring that our members have access to the highest quality behavioral health care. Point32Health will offer an insourced behavioral health program – meaning that rather than outsourcing behavioral health to a separate vendor (sometimes called a “carve-out” model), we will contract directly with behavioral health providers and our organization will manage both medical and behavioral health care coverage and programs, including utilization and care management.

Is that a change for the legacy organizations?

While Tufts Health Plan currently operates using an insourced behavioral health model, this is a change for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, which currently utilizes a carve-out model managed by Optum/United Behavioral Health.

When will behavioral health services be insourced for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care?

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care will utilize an insourced behavioral health program effective July 1, 2023. Until that time, please continue to follow Optum/United Behavioral Health policies and processes for Harvard Pilgrim members.

What are the benefits of an integrated, insourced behavioral health model?

This model will offer members and providers a more seamless experience, with a single point of contact across both legacy organizations. This model also:

• Utilizes a whole-health network of both medical and behavioral providers
• Emphasizes highly coordinated care management and outreach that connects behavioral health and physical health
• Yields more comprehensive analytics (single data set for medical and behavioral health) that enable Point32Health and provider organizations to see members through a holistic lens and identify opportunities for improved care and patient experience

Will existing Tufts Health Plan behavioral health providers be available to Harvard Pilgrim Health Care members?

We are amending our contracts with Tufts Health Plan behavioral health providers to enable them to provide care to Harvard Pilgrim Health Care members. Contract amendments were sent to providers in a phased approach with the first group of contract amendments beginning in August 2022. We are also recruiting behavioral health providers who are not currently in the Tufts Health Plan network to join the network for all our Point32Health members.

How will you ensure continuity of care in the January-July timeframe when some members transition from a Tufts Health Plan Commercial product to a Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan product?

Members migrating to a Harvard Pilgrim Commercial plan will utilize the Optum behavioral network through June 30, 2023; as of July 1, 2023, they will access behavioral health services though Point32Health‘s (Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan) network of behavioral health providers. Our network analyses have found that most Tufts Health Plan contracted behavioral health providers also participate in the Optum network that currently provides behavioral health care to Harvard Pilgrim Health Care members.

In cases where the behavioral health provider is non-participating in the Optum network, Point32Health will make accommodations to ensure that the member can continue to see their behavioral health provider through the transition period. These providers will be able to continue providing care through June 30, 2023 via a single case agreement with Optum/UBH and will be contacted with more information.

When insourcing occurs, will authorizations obtained from Optum/UBH be honored?

Yes, open authorizations from Optum/UBH will be entered into Harvard Pilgrim’s systems and will be honored through their expiration date.

I currently see Harvard Pilgrim members through my contract with Optum/UBH, but do not currently participate in the Tufts Health Plan/Point32Health behavioral health network. How can I ensure I can continue to care for my patient?

The best way to ensure uninterrupted care for your patients is to join our behavioral health network. We encourage you to contact the Ancillary Behavioral Health Contracting team as soon as possible by email at AHCBehavioralHealth@point32health.org or by phone at 617-972-9400 x 43145.

When insourcing occurs, will members who are receiving care from an Optum/UBH behavioral health provider who is not contracted with Point32Health be able to continue seeing that provider?

In the event that a migrating member is currently in active care with a behavioral health provider who isn’t in the Point32health network, the member can utilize our standard Continuity of Care policy to continue seeing the provider for 90 days.

At the end of the Continuity of Care timeframe, options include: the member selecting an in-network provider; the provider can submit for medical necessity review; the provider can discuss becoming a participating provider with network contracting, or if the member is in a PPO product they could continue to see the provider based on out-of-network rules.

I am a behavioral health provider who received a contract amendment and have questions. Who should I contact?

Please contact the Ancillary Behavioral Health Contracting team by email at AHCBehavioralHealth@point32health.org or by phone at 617-972-9400 x 43145.

What electronic tools can I access for my patients moving to Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Commercial products?

HPHConnect, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care’s web-based transaction service, is free, HIPAA-compliant, and available 24/7. If you are a participating Harvard Pilgrim Health Care provider and aren’t currently registered, we encourage you to register today. HPHConnect allows you to perform a host of transactions quickly and easily, including submitting claim batch files, verifying patient eligibility, checking claim status, sending and receiving specialty referrals and authorization, provider notification, and viewing a patient’s personal health record. You can also access reports and tools such as drug formularies and pharmacy program information, PCP membership reports, claims reports, and more.

Visit the Electronic Tools and HPHConnect page on the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care provider website for more details on HPHConnect and sending electronic transactions.

For your patients remaining on Tufts Health Plan products, you should continue to utilize the Tufts Health Plan electronic tools, including the Tufts Health Plan secure provider portal and self-service tools.

How do I sign up for electronic payment?

If you’re receiving paper checks, we encourage you to make the simple switch to electronic funds transfer through Payspan today. For information on receiving EFT from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, visit the visit the Electronic Payment tab of our Electronic Tools and HPHConnect page. To receive EFT from Tufts Health Plan, select the EFT tab on the Electronic Services webpage.

Can I provide care for Tufts Health Plan/Harvard Pilgrim Health Care members even though I’m not in their network?

Providers must be contracted with the applicable network. To learn more about joining our networks, please visit:

• Join the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care network
• Join the Tufts Health Plan network

I’m a behavioral health provider and would like to join the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care network. How can I do so?

We’re pleased that you are interested in joining the network; we’re committed to providing exceptional behavioral health services to all Point32Health members and are focused on whole-person care, so it is invaluable to us to maintain a robust network of providers like you. For information on joining the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care behavioral health network, effective for dates of service of July 1, 2023 and beyond, please contact the Ancillary Behavioral Health Contracting team by email at AHCBehavioralHealth@point32health.org or by phone at 617-972-9400 x 43145.

Will you be offering training sessions on these topics?

We want to make it as easy as possible for you and your office staff to do business with us, and one step we’re taking in support of this goal is offering educational webinar sessions — and online resources and tools — so you have access to the information you need. We’ll announce training opportunities in our monthly provider newsletters. We also encourage you to visit the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Provider Training and Events page and the Tufts Health Plan Provider Training page.

How can I sign up for the monthly provider newsletter?

Our provider newsletter will keep you up to date on important changes. In February 2023 we launched an integrated provider newsletter, Insights and Updates for Providers, where you can find all the information and updates you need about both legacy brands, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan.

If you have been receiving a provider newsletter from us by email, you will continue to receive your emailed copy. If you don’t currently receive the newsletter by email, subscribe here. 

Where can I access Provider Manuals?

Our Provider Manuals offer up-to-date guidance on Harvard Pilgrim products, programs, policies, and procedures:

• Harvard Pilgrim Commercial Provider Manual
• Harvard Pilgrim Stride (HMO) Medicare Advantage Provider Manual
• Tufts Health Plan Provider Manuals