• Blue Cross
• Capital Blue Cross
• Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

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• Highmark Blue Shield
• Independence Blue Cross

• Supplemental Medigap Insurance
• Medicare Advantage Insurance
• Bravo Health

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• Conseco
• Highmark Blue Shield
• United Healthcare
• Universal American
• WellCare

Even More Pennsylvania Health Insurance Tips

More Health Insurance Tips

Cost Containment: Most companies try to control claim costs by limiting benefits to medically necessary treatment in the least costly setting. Some policies may require you to seek a second opinion before surgery, get pre-admission approval for elective hospitalization or receive certain treatments on an outpatient basis. Ask your insurance agent or a representative of the company to explain the cost containment measures used by the company you are considering.

Outline of Coverage: Request an outline of coverage or a brief summary of what is covered under the policy. Make sure you obtain the outline of coverage at the time the product is presented. You may use the outline to compare the coverage with products that may be available from other providers.

Claim Payment: As a policyholder, you should know that when a claim is submitted your provider will check for medical necessity and pay the claim using the usual, customary and reasonable (UCR) method for determining the amount of payment. Medical necessity means the service provided must be appropriate for the patient's condition. This is determined by each provider. UCR is the method used by each provider to determine the amounts payable for each specific service provided. UCR also is determined by each provider.

Medicare Supplement: People eligible for Medicare benefits should shop carefully for a Medicare supplement policy and choose one that provides adequate coverage at an affordable premium. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department offers a consumer guide on Medicare supplement insurance. For more information on Medicare and the types of Medicare supplement coverages available, call the Department's Consumer Line at 1-877-881-6388. Also, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging's APPRISE Program provides free counseling on insurance products for senior citizens. The APPRISE Program's telephone number is 1-800-783-7067.

Long-Term Care: Before you buy this type of policy, make sure you understand what type of care is covered, what the benefits are, and how long benefits are provided. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department offers several consumer guides on long term care insurance that are available by contacting the Department at 1-877-881-6388. Also, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging's Apprise Program provides free counseling for senior citizens on insurance products. The Apprise Program's telephone number is 1-800-783-7067.

Disability Insurance: When buying a disability policy, read the policy's definition of disability -- be sure you know what the company considers a disability and what requirements must be met for payment. The amount of weekly or monthly benefits provided may be stated as a percentage of income or as a set dollar amount. The amount of the benefit is limited to a percentage of your income.