There are many types of Pennsylvania health insurance plans. “Catastrophic” and “HSA” plans will tend to be the least expensive options, but feature high out-of-pocket costs to the insured. “Comprehensive” plans offer lower out-of-pocket costs on the most common claims, but are the most expensive type of coverage.

Pennsylvania comprehensive health insurance plans cover the standard inpatient major medical items such as room and board, intensive care unit, recovery room, operating room, prescription drugs and professional fees of doctors, surgeons and nurses. Outpatient expense benefits include facility and hospital fees for outpatient surgery, surgeon and assistant surgeon fees, emergency room fees for illness and injury, some mental and nervous disorders and X-ray and lab fees performed at network facilities.

But Pennsylvania comprehensive health insurance plans provide coverage for many additional items. Traditionally, office visits (primary care and specialist) and prescriptions (generic and non-generic) are covered expenses along with  wellness/preventative care expenses. Some specific Pennsylvania wellness/preventative coverages include preventative mammograms, pap smears, PSA screenings, child immunizations and annual physicals.

Most major Pennsylvania health insurance companies offer comprehensive health care plans. Aetna, UnitedHealthOne, Blue Cross and HealthAmerica offer extremely competitive rates on their comprehensive plans. This type of coverage is typically available in either a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) or an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization). With a Pennsylvania PPO, you can see any doctor or visit any hospital within the preferred network of providers. “Out of Network” providers will pay lower benefits. An HMO may provide a broader coverage, but with smaller Network availability. 

Some of the most comprehensive Pennsylvania health insurance plans include HealthAmerica’s Copay 100% plan, Aetna’s HMO 20 and HMO 30 plans, UnitedHealthOne’s Copay Select Plan, Blue Cross’ KeystoneBlue HMO and Blue Cross’  Keystone Health Plan East’s HMO. Of course, there are other comprehensive plans that may be your best option, depending on your specific situation.