What is PennCare PPO?

The PennCare PPO is a self-funded preferred provider organization that provides a full range of health care services for employees who have selected the Independence Blue Cross/Personal Choice Plan.

To be included in the top tier (with the least out-of-pocket expenses), PennCare PPO providers also must participate in the Personal Choice network. To verify that the provider you select participates in Personal Choice, check the Personal Choice web site at www.ibx.com or contact Independence Blue Cross at 1-800-ASK BLUE. If the provider does not participate in Personal Choice, you may be balance billed.

By choosing in-network providers for health care services, PennCare PPO members significantly reduce -- or eliminate -- out-of-pocket expenses. The vast majority of services are available in-network. If a service is not available within the network, you'll be covered at the out-of-network rate.

Please note that for some selected services, in-network providers have limited capacity in their practices. While employees' covered benefits will not change during the plan year, in-network providers or services may change. For questions or clarification, please call toll-free 1-877-354-4999 or contact your benefits office.

The PennCare PPO Network supports PPO programs offered by the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Pennsylvania Health System and some UPHS affiliates. It does not include all providers affiliated with UPHS.

All providers in the PennCare PPO Provider Search site participate in the PennCare PPO. For more specific information about the level of benefits covered by the PennCare PPO, please refer to your Human Resources Benefits handbook or contact Human Resources or Independence Blue Cross.

Please be aware that the PennCare PPO is not available to the general public. This site provides information for University of Pennsylvania employees, University of Pennsylvania Health System employees and their dependents only.

If you would like to find a Penn provider but you aren't a Penn/UPHS employee, please visit the Physicians & Providers section of the University of Pennsylvania Health System web site. You also may call PennHealth at 1-800-789-PENN (7366), Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm.