I was on a COBRA plan this year. Next year I need to get a new plan. Curious what other's have found to be the pros and cons of each. Thanks.

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PolyDipsoManiac t1_iuiq24v wrote on October 31, 2022 at 5:08 PM

#391,748

Highmark gets you AHN hospitals, UPMC gets you UPMC hospitals. The settlement means they might still share networks, depending on the plan.

B0bb3r7 t1_iuiq3g5 wrote on October 31, 2022 at 5:08 PM

#391,756

I do not recommend UPMC. You are locked into their hell.

/Certain/ Highmark plans participate with UPMC. I believe that it is the Community Blue plans that do not participate with UPMC.

Highmark plans are accepted nationwide due to BCBS membership. But pay careful attention to "Enhanced" and "Standard" networks. Standard functions similarly to out-of-network (but is less punishing).

SWPenn t1_iuiya7k wrote on October 31, 2022 at 6:02 PM

#394,396

We're on a UPMC plan through the state exchange, Pennie. The ACA was a godsend for us and provides good coverage for a reasonable price until we go on Medicare.

hypotenoos t1_iuj3tdk wrote on October 31, 2022 at 6:39 PM

#396,188

The biggest advantage to some Highmark plans is their portability into other blue cross blue shield providers. It’s not all plans though and maybe full coverage in other regions isn’t a concern for you.

I have had individually purchased plans from both of them going back over a decade. Years ago there was a lot more difference- now their offerings are largely the same due to their direct competition.

Your biggest concern might be maintaining your current doctors and providers. In that case you need to look real close at any plan because both play games with provider networks.

Unethical_GOP t1_iujh34g wrote on October 31, 2022 at 8:08 PM

#400,822

I’d go one of the national plans (Aetna is an example). That way you can go to either UPMC or AHN.

Cryptic_Skies t1_iujle93 wrote on October 31, 2022 at 8:37 PM

#402,449

Replying to Unethical_GOP (#400,822)

be careful with aetna. i have one of their subsidiary carriers and UPMC is out of network. I can only use AHN providers.

Unethical_GOP t1_iujn04u wrote on October 31, 2022 at 8:48 PM

#403,061

Replying to Cryptic_Skies (#402,449)

Interesting. My brother has Aetna and he can go to either. Must be plan dependent.

nonymiz t1_iuk0z7n wrote on October 31, 2022 at 10:31 PM

#409,289

I started a job towards the beginning of the year where my employer doesn't provide a health plan (basically a startup; they're too new and small) but they do reimburse me (fully) for pretty much whatever ACA plan I want.

So, when I went to Pennie, I was more than willing to get a UPMC plan, as I can't remember the last time I even went to a non-UPMC doctor or hospital. But I ended up with a Highmark plan because UPMC didn't offer any without a high deductible. Since my employer was willing to pay the extra that would get me a non-deductible plan, then why shouldn't I get one? So, my only choice for no high deductible was to get one with Highmark.