The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by insurer Highmark that claims UPMC misled Highmark subscribers, according to a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report.
The lawsuit claims that through advertisements and other communication, UPMC misled Highmark beneficiaries into thinking they were going to lose access to UPMC physicians and services. Contracts between the two parties will expire in July 2012, with a one-year run-out period following that. Highmark and UPMC disagree over whether access to UPMC physicians will be covered during that run-out period.
UPMC has said "Highmark should not be able to gag UPMC, leaving Highmark as the lone public voice on the end-of-contract issues," according to the report. The system says its communications have been accurate and consistent with contract provisions.
Pennsylvania Lawmakers Urge UPMC, Highmark to Make Peace
Highmark Sues UPMC for Alleged Misinformation Campaign
The lawsuit claims that through advertisements and other communication, UPMC misled Highmark beneficiaries into thinking they were going to lose access to UPMC physicians and services. Contracts between the two parties will expire in July 2012, with a one-year run-out period following that. Highmark and UPMC disagree over whether access to UPMC physicians will be covered during that run-out period.
UPMC has said "Highmark should not be able to gag UPMC, leaving Highmark as the lone public voice on the end-of-contract issues," according to the report. The system says its communications have been accurate and consistent with contract provisions.
Related Articles on UPMC and Highmark:
UPMC to County Council: No New Contract With HighmarkPennsylvania Lawmakers Urge UPMC, Highmark to Make Peace
Highmark Sues UPMC for Alleged Misinformation Campaign