I live in Pittsburgh, PA and my psychiatrist does not take my insurance. I have blue cross and blue shield (BCBS) / Highmark national network, that covers mental health visits for free... but he said he only takes UPMC insurance. I am currently paying him $160 out of pocket. 

My complaint is that basically every doctor takes employer Blue Cross Blue Shield / Highmark here. When I tell other doctors and my therapist that he doesn't take my insurance, they are incredulous because BCBS / Highmark insurance is the cream of the crop and the gold standard!

It's open enrollment at my husband's work, and I can choose UPMC insurance, or another BCBS / Highmark plan. The UPMC insurance has a $2000 deductible though and is more expensive than the Highmark BCBS insurance I could also choose, but has a $20 for mental health outpatient visit.  I  messaged my psychiatrist online, left a voicemail with his office admin, and emailed his practice's general email address to make sure he takes the UPMC plan...and crickets.

I am angry and suspect he stalling telling me what insurance he accepts on purpose just so he can make me pay $160 out of pocket, which is more than what insurance reimburses him. My student loan payments of $450 resume in January and I can't afford to spend $160 a month on a psychiatrist when it could be a $15 copayment. I'm now looking for a new psychiatrist  &gt;:|

Does anyone else have this issue, or this this just a PA problem?