Highmark Launches New Web Site Dedicated to Health Care Reform

PITTSBURGH, July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Highmark Inc. will launch its new Web site, Highmark on Health Reform dot com, which provides helpful information on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), better known as health care reform. The Web site, www.highmarkonhealthreform.com, serves as a hub for employers, individuals and seniors to learn more about health care reform and how it will affect them now and in the future. Highmark on Health Reform dot com details information on key provisions outlined in the PPACA, provides an interactive timeline that tracks current health care changes and those on the horizon, offers answers to frequently asked questions and presents messages from Highmark.

"While we've maintained robust health care reform information on our corporate Web site for months, Highmark on Health Reform dot com places everything in a centralized place and the experience on this site is guided by the user," says Vik Mangalmurti, director of Highmark's Office of Health Care Reform. "We want to provide a complete and straight-forward guide to the new health care reform regulations for our members and customers."

Highmark's Office of Health Care Reform was created to address the need for guidance through the new health care reform regulations and the company's compliance with government regulations. The reform office's mission is to make the transition into these new changes happen as seamlessly as possible for all Highmark customers and members.

Health care reform has proven to be a confusing topic, and many people are wondering what it will mean for them, if it will affect their coverage and whether or not it will influence their budget. Highmark Inc. recognizes these concerns, and has dedicated Highmark on Health Reform dot com to making the answers clear, straightforward and obtainable. The Web site will be continually updated with clear-cut information on the reform's provisions, including grandfathering, high-risk pools, Medicare and Medicaid changes and pre-existing condition coverage.

As the reform's provisions are rolled out, providing access to educational materials about health care reform is of utmost importance. Company-wide, Highmark is committed to assisting all of its members, customers and the general public as they navigate the changes that reform brings.

About Highmark Inc.

As one of the leading health insurers in Pennsylvania, Highmark Inc.'s mission is to provide access to affordable, quality health care enabling individuals to live longer, healthier lives. Based in Pittsburgh, Highmark serves 4.7 million people through the company's health care benefits business. Highmark contributes millions of dollars to help keep quality health care programs affordable and to support community-based programs that work to improve people's health. Highmark exerts an enormous economic impact throughout Pennsylvania. A recent study states that Highmark's positive impact exceeded $2.5 billion. The company provides the resources to give its members a greater hand in their health.

Highmark Inc. is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.

SOURCE Highmark Inc.