Highmark: Brand overview
Highmark originated on June 22, 1977, as a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania branch. It resulted from merging two not-for-profit insurance organizations: Associated Hospital Service of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Blue Shield.
To expand, Highmark increased its presence by merging with Blue Cross of Western Pennsylvania in 1996. The subsequent decades of the 1990s and 2000s were characterized by Highmark’s strategic growth through its ventures and acquisitions of regional insurance organizations.
A significant turn in the company’s trajectory occurred in 2013 when Highmark integrated with West Penn Allegheny Health System. This alliance marked the beginning of what is now Allegheny Health Network. Under the concept of integrated health care, Highmark began to bring together physician groups, ambulatory care centers, and other important health care providers.
In its current form, Highmark is a beacon of health insurance for more than six million customers residing in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia. The company’s portfolio ranges from commercial offerings to Medicare and Medicaid programs and plans for individuals or families. With impressive annual revenues of over $20 billion, Highmark has firmly established its position as one of Blue Cross Blue Shield’s leading affiliates and the preeminent health insurance organization in the United States.
Meaning and History
1977 – today
The Highmark logo combines simplicity and stylish design, reflecting the brand’s core values. It features two key elements: a blue curved line and the company name, rendered in a unique font. All elements are harmoniously united to convey a sense of movement and stability.
The blue arch, positioned above the visual mark, resembles a thin crescent. Its start is elongated, and the opposite end shortens, gently curving to the right and creating the impression of a roof over the first part of the word “Highmark.” This element adds dynamism and lightness, evoking associations with protection or unity.
The arch’s left side smoothly transitions down, replacing the vertical line of the letter “H.” This design makes the logo cohesive, memorable, and distinctive. The curve of the arch emphasizes ideas of growth, height, and forward movement, which align with the company name.
The text is presented in uppercase letters, which appear elegant due to the serifs at the ends of the letters. These details give the text a sense of tradition and reliability. The letter “A” stands out due to the absence of a crossbar. Its open form adds a sense of modernity and originality. The long right leg of the letter “K” adds sophistication and highlights the uniqueness of the font.
The blue arch symbolizes stability, professionalism, and trust, while the black text enhances the logo’s formality and clarity. Their combination creates a contrast that makes the design expressive and harmonious.
The company’s name reflects its commitment to setting high standards and offering quality in everything it does. The emblem successfully combines these ideas, creating a visual image that emphasizes the brand’s ambition and reliability.