The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has approved the merger between Highmark and Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, a deal which was originally announced in February 2014.
The merged company will operate as Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and will administer coverage to individuals in 13 northeastern Pennsylvania counties. Under the deal, Highmark has agreed to create a local advisory board that will include former BCNEPA board members, and four former BCNEPA board members will also serve on the Highmark board.
"This merger is a natural progression of the successful business relationship that Highmark and BCNEPA have maintained for decades to best serve the healthcare needs of the residents of northeastern and north central Pennsylvania," said Highmark Health Plan President Deborah Rice-Johnson. "We anticipate continued success in the region and look forward to providing our members with improved quality, accessibility and affordability of healthcare."
Benefits for Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania members are not expected to change in the near term.
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