Press Releases

Highmark's Medicare Advantage plans continue to earn high scores in federal quality program - Pennsylvania

• Pennsylvania HMO and PPO plans once again receive high CMS Star Ratings

PITTSBURGH (October 13, 2023) — Highmark announced today that its Community Blue, Security Blue, and Together Blue HMO Medicare Advantage plans in Pennsylvania have once again 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 for the third consecutive year. Highmark’s Complete Blue, Freedom Blue, and Community Blue PPO Medicare Advantage plans in Pennsylvania were scored a 4.5 out of a possible 5 Stars, the sixth consecutive year those plans receive at least that high of a Star rating.

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) providing positive member health care experiences (4) handling problems and complaints, and (5) customer service.

“We are very proud to once again achieve these 4+ Star ratings,” said Bill Rayball, Vice President, Government Quality at Highmark. "The Star ratings continue to show that Highmark is committed to listening to our members and improving our benefits, networks and pricing year after year."

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.

Highmark’s 2024 Medicare Advantage offerings include a complete portfolio of plans so any Medicare shopper can find the Highmark plan that’s right for them.  Highmark’s offerings include plans with $0 premiums, plans that give you money back every month, plans with market-leading medical benefits, plans for those dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, and even a plan designed specifically for veterans. 

An additional focus for Highmark in 2024 was to make access to dental care easier and more affordable.  Several Highmark plans will see reduced out-of-pocket costs for dental services such as root canals, crowns, and dentures, and some plans, including the new Complete Blue PPO Premier will offer first dollar dental coverage. Highmark’s plans for those dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid will see increased allowances for healthy foods and utilities, to help our members live their healthiest lives.

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 and Highmark Senior Health 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 and HM Health Insurance Company depends on contract renewal. Highmark Choice Company, Highmark Senior Health Company and HM Health Insurance Company are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.