Affordable Central Pennsylvania Health Insurance Plans are viewable on this website. We provide unbiased information from most of the best health carriers such as Highmark Blue Shield Blue Cross, Capital Blue Cross, Aetna, HealthAmerica, Geisinger, Celtic and UnitedHealthOne (formerly UnitedHealthCare). We offer health insurance plans to individuals, families, the self employed and the uninsured of Central Pennsylvania. The rates you view on our website are  the best rates provided by each carrier and we’ll help research and find the policy that best meets your own needs and objectives.

Although Geisinger is not one of the larger companies, their rates are very affordable, especially if you need maternity coverage. You can read about Geisinger here.They are also one of the few companies to offer deductible options as low as $250 without having to use an HMO.

Central Pennsylvania health insurance rates are fairly low compared to most parts of the state. Typically, rates in the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia areas tend to be approximately 10%-20% higher than Harrisburg area rates. Central Pennsylvania physician charges, hospital room rates and malpractice insurance premiums are generally lower than other parts of Pennsylvania, accounting for some of the difference. The Southeastern Pennsylvania area is served by Independence Blue Cross (IBX), who at one time was negotiating a merger with Highmark.

Each individual and family is different. Catastrophic coverage may be the best solution for certain situations, but not for others. That’s why we feel it is important to consider all of the available medical plans from all of the major companies, and not just a selected few. For many Central Pennsylvania residents, the following plans have been quite popular:

UnitedHealthOne’s Copay Select Plan is a comprehensive policy that provides unlimited covered office visits subject to a $35 copay. Both generic and non-generic prescriptions are covered. An unlimited lifetime maximum benefit applies to each person. Many riders are available including dental, vision and enhanced accidental benefits. Most preventive benefits are included without a waiting period, deductible or any out of pocket cost. This health insurance plan has been a favorite of Central Pennsylvania residents for many years.

Aetna’s HMO 30 plan has no deductibles to meet on major claims. A $550 per day copay (five day maximum per admission) applies to hospital stays and only a $500 copay applies to outpatient surgery. Most office visits, lab tests, x-rays and preventive benefits are subject to low copays. Maternity benefits (including newborn services) are also included. Most prescriptions are covered and not subject to a deductible. Clearly, this policy is one of the top Central Pennsylvania health insurance options to consider if minimizing out-of-pocket cost is a priority.

Aetna’s PPO 5000 plan features $40 copays on covered office visits ($50 for specialist visits) with comprehensive prescription coverage subject to a $5,000 annual cap. Comprehensive preventive benefits are also included. Premiums are generally very low because of the $5,000 deductible on major claims.  A “PPO 2500” plan is also available, but the rate is not as competitive.

HealthAmericaOne’s  HealthGear 5000 plan is an inexpensive catastrophic policy with some added benefits. Major medical expenses, primary and specialist visits and prescriptions are subject to a $5,000 deductible. However, preventive services, including gynecological exams, routine mammograms, well child and adult physical visits, and preventive pediatric and adult immunizations are covered at 100%. This plan, along with UnitedHealthone’s “Saver 80” plan, are two of the most popular health insurance policies in the Central Pennsylvania area.

Highmark Blue Shield’s DirectBlue plan is a bit more expensive than its sister policy…the PPOBlue plan. Deductibles are low ($250 or $500 per individual) with a low 10% coinsurance after the deductible. Maternity coverage is included and subject to the deductible along with office visits. Preventive benefits (routine 10physicals, mammograms, pediatric immunizations etc…) are covered at 100% and not subject to a deductible. Prescriptions are subject to only a $100 deductible before copays of $10 or $20 apply.

Highmark Blue Shield’s PPOBlue plan is a major medical policy with individual deductibles ranging from $1,200 to $3,500. As an HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan), this policy qualifies for Central Pennsylvania Health Savings Accounts. Coverages are similar to the DirectBlue plan including many preventive benefits covered without a deductible. Prescriptions are covered at 90%, but subject to the deductible.

Of course there are hundreds of available health insurance plans to consider in addition to the six policies previously mentioned. We will carefully choose the plans that are best for you, and explain our reasons in detail. Our recommendations are always unbiased and the rates are truly the lowest available. If government health insurance reform is passed, we will still continue to offer the same service.

All quotes are free on our website and we're available to help determine which plan is best for you.

October 2010 Update-National health care reform now mandates preventive benefits on most plans to be covered at 100% with no waiting period.