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

West Virginia PPO plans scored 4.5 out of possible 5 Stars

Parkersburg, W.Va. (October 13, 2023) — Highmark announced today that its Freedom Blue PPO Medicare Advantage plans in West Virginia have achieved a 4.5 out of a possible 5 Star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

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 a high Star quality rating in West Virginia” 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, 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 enhanced Freedom Blue PPO Prestige will offer first dollar dental coverage.

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 Blue Cross Blue Shield is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and/or Part D plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in these plans depends on contract renewal.

Benefits and/or benefit administration may be provided by or through the following entities, which are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association: Highmark West Virginia Inc. d/b/a Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Highmark Health Insurance Company or Highmark Senior Solutions Company. All references to “Highmark” in this document are references to the Highmark company that is providing the member’s health benefits or health benefit administration and/or to one or more of its affiliated Blue companies.