Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has been a leader in providing quality health insurance in Western Pennsylvania for over seventy years. Currently, it offers residents seeking affordable medically underwritten coverage four different health plan options, which vary dramatically depending on the type of coverage desired and the monthly premiums. The four different programs are as follows:

PPOBlue^SM – To provide the lowest possible premium costs, this plan offers high annual deductible options of $1200, $2600 or $3500 for individuals or $2400, $5200 or $7000 for families. Although choosing from deductible levels this high is not practical for everybody, for people with sufficient financial resources it may be ideal. Essentially, by choosing a larger deductible, individuals are self-insuring for their smaller medical expenses. In addition to the premium costs savings, members with this program will be eligible to receive preventative services such as mammograms, physical exams, pap tests and annual gynecological exams without having to pay any deductible. All of the options available with the PPO Blue program are compatible with Health Saving Account, which offers the possibility of reduced federal income taxes.

Download PPOBlue^SM Rate sheet PDF

CompleteCare^SM – For a very reasonable premium Complete Care offers consumers the choice of either a $500 or $1000 annual deducible. With either choice the deductible for prescriptions is only $100. After the deductible is met, the member is responsible for 20% of covered services only until they have paid $1000 out-of-pocket. This coverage allows subscribers to go to any doctor they choose. Of the four individual health plans, this program allows the most freedom, but is least generous in covering preventative care.

Download CompleteCare^SM Rate sheet PDF

DirectBlue^SM – Also a PPO, this plan provides a high level of coverage and freedom of choice but with lower deductibles. The member is responsible for the first $250 of medical costs and then 10% of additional costs up to $1500 out-of-pocket. After a $100 deductible, all prescriptions would cost $10 for generics and $20 for brand names. Preventive services such as mammograms, pap smears, annual gynecological exam, pediatric care, and annual routine physical exam are covered. With the increased coverage in this program, naturally the premiums are higher as well.

Download DirectBlue^SM Rate sheet PDF

KeystoneBlue^SM – This HMO plan offers the highest level of benefits of the four health plans. It features a $0 deductible on all hospital stays. The only cost for a doctor’s visit is $10 co-pay ($15 for specialists). The same as Direct Blue, prescriptions would cost $10 for generics and $20 for brand names after a $100 deductible. The member would choose a primary care physician within the Keystone network of doctors.

Download KeystoneBlue^SM Rate sheet PDF

Previously, residents wanting to apply for these plans had to either meet with an agent or complete their application through the mail, which often delayed the start of the coverage. Additionally, the proposed insured had to submit a check for the first month of coverage with their application. If the insured was turned down by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, he or she would have to wait several weeks to receive a refund.

Residents now can take advantage of a more customer-friendly process. With a simple phone call, a person is connected with one of our representatives who will answer any questions that the person may have about the different coverage options. After that person makes a decision, we can immediately begin to submit their application online. The whole process takes about 15 minutes. Moreover, no payment information will be requested over the phone or online; Highmark will simply send a bill later. If someone decides for whatever reason to cancel the plan within 10 days after they receive the policy, any premium paid will be completely refunded. Sound interesting? Please give us a call. We would be happy to get you started or just answer any of your questions.