Beyond the brand: Why Highmark is different than other BCBS coverage

For decades, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield names have stood for trusted, high-quality health care coverage. Employers, providers, and health insurance brokers all recognize the value of the Blue brand. But choosing the right plan is not about brand recognition alone.

Each Blue Cross Blue Shield entity is independently operated

In some states, two or more Blue plans may operate side by side. While these plans share a familiar name, they are independent companies. Each Blue plan offers different provider networks, benefit designs, and pricing structures.

These differences matter to employers who are navigating rising health care costs and changing workforce expectations. It's important to select a plan — and a partner — that delivers quality, value, and a personalized member experience.

Why choose Highmark Blue plans

Highmark Inc., together with its Blue-branded affiliates, collectively are one of the nation's largest health insurers, and the largest in several states — including Delaware, western and northeastern New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. In Pennsylvania, Highmark is the only statewide Blue Shield licensee.

We:

• Serve 7 million members
• Employ 44,000+ people and growing
• Have more than 185,000 in-network physicians
• Process more than 200 million claims per year
• Rank sixth in Forrester CX Index¹

The Forrester CX (Customer Experience) Index measures companies across all industries around the world. Highmark ranks sixth overall for meeting customer needs, being easy to work with, and creating a positive customer experience.

Whole-person approach to employee health benefits

What truly differentiates Highmark is our 360-degree approach to personalized care. Each member is on their own unique health journey. We support individuals and families by reducing fragmentation in the health care system and eliminating obstacles to care.

Resources are aligned across our network for coordinated care that improves accessibility and affordability for better outcomes. Our approach enables smarter decision-making and care planning, from preventive care to chronic condition management.

Members benefit from a seamless and connected experience. They can receive care close to home and/or virtually. Highmark's optional digital employee wellness programs can also make it easier for members to manage their mental and physical health.

Affordable employee health insurance coverage driven by innovation

Ongoing investments in innovation and technology drive our market-leading health plan portfolio. Highmark can analyze data across the health care ecosystem to identify opportunities to improve care, add value, and remove barriers.

We partner with employers and their health insurance brokers to design efficient, predictable, and affordable plan options. Data is integrated across member claims, provider networks, pharmacy resources, and preventive care schedules (based on age and gender).

Highmark Inc. and its Blue-branded affiliates have emerged as a leading voice in acknowledging today's health care system from all perspectives. Our company is built on a foundation of ingenuity from the top down.

Highmark Health CEO David L. Holmberg was named one of the "100 Most Influential People in Healthcare" by Modern Healthcare magazine (2025). It's the fourth time Holmberg, who also serves as chairman of the board for Highmark Inc., made the list since 2019.

Health care insurance coverage for companies of all sizes

We offer broad coverage, unsurpassed quality, and deep discount advantages to help employers manage costs without limiting employee choice. Our flexible health plans and solutions can meet all employer coverage needs.

Highmark's portfolio of products includes: 

• Innovative medical coverage plans
• Integrated pharmacy benefits
• Blue Edge vision plans
• Blue Edge dental plans
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• Health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs)
• Health savings accounts (HSAs)

Learn more when you contact your Highmark account manager or employee health care insurance broker or consultant.

_{All references to “Highmark” in this communication are references to Highmark Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, and/or to one or more of its affiliated Blue companies.}