Highmark Introduces New Individual Health Insurance Plan Featuring Simple, Affordable Coverage With Low Deductible

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Highmark Inc. introduced Simply Blue PPO, a new individual insurance plan that offers simple health insurance coverage with a low premium, low deductible and predictable copayment structure.

"We listened to our members' feedback, and we've heard them say that they would like a more affordable plan without a large upfront deductible," said Steven Nelson, senior vice president of health services strategy, product and marketing at Highmark.

Simply Blue, a medically underwritten plan, offers preventive care benefits with 100 percent coverage, emergency room coverage and vision benefits. The plan does not include maternity coverage and uses Highmark's Progressive Formulary, a new focused and generic-driven prescription drug plan that encourages members to seek lower-cost drug alternatives, while ensuring continued access to a high-quality pharmacy program and brand-name drugs.

Premiums for Simply Blue are as low as $90 a month with a $500 deductible for males ages 25 to 29. Copayments for Simply Blue are predictable such as a primary care provider visit at $35, specialist visit at $50 and basic diagnostic tests at $25. After the copayment, coverage is 100 percent and a deductible does not apply.

"Simply Blue was built as a plan for people without group coverage such as active, young adults or early retirees who want coverage at an affordable price and are not interested in maternity coverage," said Nelson. "Individuals can feel at ease knowing that they are covered for preventive services to keep them healthy and have the protection against the high cost of unexpected illness or injury."

Simply Blue is available in the 29 counties of western Pennsylvania and the 21 counties of central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley served by Highmark. Individuals and families can enroll in this medically underwritten PPO product for a Feb. 1 effective date by visiting a Highmark health plan website, a Highmark Direct retail store or an individual insurance agent.

For more information, visit https://www.highmark.com/hmk2/about/newsroom/2012/pr011212.shtml.

SOURCE Highmark