Highmark Introduces New Individual Product With Advance Coverage for Doctor Visits, Lab Tests and Prescription Drugs

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Highmark Inc. has launched a new individual insurance product, Advance Blue, that provides up front coverage for common medical services like doctor visits, lab tests and prescription drugs with only a small co-payment in advance of their deductible.

"We've heard from customers that they are looking for a plan with coverage for the routine health services that they need most," said Steven Nelson, senior vice president of health services strategy, product and marketing at Highmark. "This product gives access to doctors, lab tests and prescriptions through a co-payment and also protects individuals with more comprehensive coverage if they need it."

Through a large network of providers, Advance Blue provides preventive services at 100 percent coverage. Primary care and specialist visits, prescription drugs and basic diagnostic tests such as lab tests and X-rays are provided with a co-payment. Other services are covered after a deductible. Advance Blue also offers maternity benefits and 100 percent coverage for an eye exam every two years.

"Advance Blue gives individuals another choice in Highmark's product portfolio," said Nelson. "We know that more individuals are purchasing health insurance on their own and even more will do so when health care reform is fully implemented in 2014. Highmark is committed to providing individuals with a broad choice of products to meet their needs."

Advance 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 Sept. 1 effective date by visiting a Highmark health plan website, a Highmark Direct retail store or an individual insurance agent.

About Highmark Inc.

Highmark Inc., based in Pittsburgh, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. Highmark serves 4.8 million members in Pennsylvania and West Virginia through the company's health care benefits business and is one of the largest Blue plans in the nation. Highmark has 19,500 employees across the country. For more than 70 years, Highmark's commitment to the community has consistently been among the company's highest priorities as it strives to positively impact the communities where we do business. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.

SOURCE Highmark Inc.