Press Releases

Highmark’s Medicare Advantage plans earn highest score in federal quality program

• Pennsylvania HMO and PPO plans scored 5 out of possible 5 Stars

PITTSBURGH (October 14, 2021) — Highmark announced today that its Community Blue, Complete Blue, Freedom Blue and Security Blue Medicare Advantage plans in Pennsylvania have 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.

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) member responsiveness (4) handling problems and complaints, and (5) customer service.

“We are very proud to achieve this 5-star rating,” said Alexis Miller, Market President, Federal Markets at Highmark. "This continues to show that Highmark is committed to improving our plans year after year and to providing the highest value to our Medicare Advantage members."

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, and popular fitness memberships.

For its 2022 Medicare Advantage plans, Highmark has added more for Medicare-eligible consumers — more options, more affordable premiums including $0 premium plans, and more benefits for most of its products — including expanded dental and vision coverage. Highmark has also added innovative Living Health solutions including diabetes management tools and new supplemental benefits to many plans.  

Highmark was also recently ranked number two in the nation for Medicare Advantage Overall Customer Satisfaction by J.D. Power. J.D. Power — a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics — annually ranks Medicare Advantage plans to help consumers make more informed choices.

The annual election period for seniors to choose Medicare Advantage coverage for next year runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.

Consumers can learn more about the CMS Star ratings at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website.

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. 

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

Highmark Choice Company, Highmark Senior Health Company, and Highmark Senior Solutions Company are Medicare Advantage plans with a Medicare contract. HM Health Insurance Company is a PDP plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Highmark Choice Company, Highmark Senior Health Company, Highmark Senior Solutions Company, and HM Health Insurance Company depends on contract renewal. Highmark Blue Shield, Highmark Choice Company, Highmark Senior Health Company, Highmark Senior Solutions Company, and HM Health Insurance Company are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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