Legislation that recently cleared the Pennsylvania Senate Banking and Insurance Committee would give the state's insurance commissioner the authority to extend the contract between health insurer Highmark and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for up to three years, according to a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report.
UPMC and Highmark's contract is set to expire on June 30 of next year. Although the two worked earlier this year to come to agreement, UPMC has since ceased negotiations with the insurer. Highmark plans to acquire West Penn Allegheny Health System in Pittsburgh, a UPMC competitor.
Under current law, the state insurance commissioner can extend an insurer and health system's contract for up to 6 months. The new legislation would extend that significantly.
The full Senate will now consider the measure. If approved, it would also need approval from the state's House of Representatives and governor, according to the report.
Related Articles on UPMC and Highmark:
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UPMC and Highmark's contract is set to expire on June 30 of next year. Although the two worked earlier this year to come to agreement, UPMC has since ceased negotiations with the insurer. Highmark plans to acquire West Penn Allegheny Health System in Pittsburgh, a UPMC competitor.
Under current law, the state insurance commissioner can extend an insurer and health system's contract for up to 6 months. The new legislation would extend that significantly.
The full Senate will now consider the measure. If approved, it would also need approval from the state's House of Representatives and governor, according to the report.
Related Articles on UPMC and Highmark:
Hearing Scheduled to Determine Whether to Unseal Highmark-West Penn Agreement
UPMC CEO: "I Don't Believe Highmark Can Save West Penn Allegheny"
Judge Orders UPMC, West Penn Allegheny to Mediate Antitrust Lawsuit