March 24th, 2009

Highmark has opened two health insurance retails stores, a first for not only for Highmark, but for the PA health insurance industry in general.

Highmark’s first retail store opened in the Pittsburgh area in the beginning of March.  At that time, WTAE-TV reported:

“A Pittsburgh area insurer is taking a new approach to making health care more available and affordable, but the approach its taking is generating controversy.

Highmark is attempting to cut through the negative stigma looming over the health care industry by pushing a friendlier approach at its new retail insurance store in Ross Township, opening Saturday.

Customers can learn more about their health and purchase health insurance if they don’t already have it.

…

But the Western Pennsylvania Coalition for Single-Payer Health Care is protesting Highmark’s new concept.

“Health care is not a commodity to be bought and sold. It’s not a commodity for the fortunate. It’s a human right that should be for everyone. Everyone deserves equal health care,” said Sandy Fox of single-payer health care.”

Now, Highmark has opened a store in the Harrisburg area. Reports the Patriot-News:

“The Highmark store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m to 7 p.m. Highmark, which has described the store as being part of a “pilot,” opened a similar store in western Pennsylvania.

Customers can also sign up for state programs including adultBasic and CHIP, government subsidized plans administered by private insurers.”