Press Releases

Highmark’s Medicare Advantage plans once again earn high scores in federal quality program - Pennsylvania

• Pennsylvania HMO plan scores 5 out of 5 for fourth consecutive year

PITTSBURGH (October 15, 2024) — Highmark announced today that its Community Blue (HMO), Security Blue (HMO), and Together Blue (HMO) Medicare Advantage plans in Pennsylvania have once again achieved the highest possible quality rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  These plans achieved 5 out of a possible 5 Stars for the fourth consecutive year. Highmark’s Complete Blue (PPO), Freedom Blue (PPO), and Community Blue (PPO) Medicare Advantage plans in Pennsylvania were scored a 4.5 out of a possible 5 Stars, the seventh consecutive year those plans receive at least that high of a Star rating.

Medicare Advantage Plans are evaluated on a scale of one to five. In arriving at the overall annual quality rating, CMS takes into account how well health plans score in five different categories including (1) keeping members healthy and up-to-date on preventive care measures, (2) managing chronic health conditions, (3) providing positive member health care experiences (4) handling problems and complaints, and (5) customer service.

CMS created its star rating system to provide consumers with an easy, unbiased way to compare Medicare Advantage plans and for consumers to better understand how well a plan is performing and how satisfied members are with it. A higher star rating means a higher quality plan.

“Our Star ratings continue to show Highmark’s commitment to keeping our Medicare Advantage members healthy and to providing a remarkable customer experience,” said Bill Rayball, Vice President, Government Quality at Highmark. "We work hard for our members and are very proud of our high Star ratings year after year."

Unlike traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans limit the amount of out-of-pocket contribution a beneficiary is required to make. In addition to covering the same hospital and medical services as Medicare Parts A & B, Highmark Medicare Advantage plans include benefits for preventive care, hearing aids, vision and dental care, as well as fitness and wellness tools.

Detailed descriptions of all Highmark Medicare Advantage plans, including network and pricing, are available at Shop.Highmark.com/Medicare.

This information is not a complete description of benefits. Call the phone number on the back of your member ID card (TTY users may call 711) for more information.

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Highmark Blue Shield are Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and/or Part D plans with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in these plans depends on contract renewal.

®Blue Cross, Blue Shield and the Cross and Shield symbols are registered service marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans.

Benefits and/or benefit administration may be provided by or through the following entities, which are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association:

Western and Northeastern PA: Highmark Inc. d/b/a Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Highmark Choice Company, Highmark Health Insurance Company, Highmark Coverage Advantage Inc., Highmark Benefits Group Inc., First Priority Health, First Priority Life or Highmark Senior Health Company.

Central and Southeastern PA: Highmark Inc. d/b/a Highmark Blue Shield, Highmark Benefits Group Inc., Highmark Health Insurance Company, Highmark Choice Company or Highmark Senior Health Company.

PA: Your plan may not cover all your health care expenses. Read your plan materials carefully to determine which health care services are covered. For more information, call the number on the back of your member ID card or, if not a member, call 866-459-4418.

Delaware: Highmark BCBSD Inc. d/b/a Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

West Virginia:  Highmark West Virginia Inc. d/b/a Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Highmark Health Insurance Company or Highmark Senior Solutions Company. Visit https://www.highmarkbcbswv.com/networkaccessplan to view the Access Plan required by the Health Benefit Plan Network Access and Adequacy Act. You may also request a copy by contacting us at the number on the back of your ID card.

Western NY: Highmark Western and Northeastern New York Inc. d/b/a Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Northeastern NY: Highmark Western and Northeastern New York Inc. d/b/a Highmark Blue Shield.

All references to “Highmark” in this document are references to the Highmark company that is providing the member’s health benefits or health benefit administration and/or to one or more of its affiliated Blue companies.

Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system