A hearing that will determine whether Highmark has to unseal an agreement that includes the terms of its partnership with West Penn Allegheny Health System has been scheduled for Jan. 17, according to a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report.
Highmark has requested the agreement remain under seal and only accessible to outside counsel for West Penn and experts. Highmark has said it contains "confidential business information" that would "prejudice Highmark's business interests if released to UPMC," according to the report.
The issue is related to a 2009 lawsuit filed by West Penn in which it sued both UPMC and Highmark for allegedly conspiring to block competition. After Highmark agreed to take control of West Penn this year, West Penn adjusted that lawsuit by dropping Highmark as a defendant. UPMC now stands as the single defendant in that suit.
UPMC says West Penn should disclose its deal with Highmark before a federal judge decides whether or not that original antitrust complaint from 2009 can be revised.
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Highmark has requested the agreement remain under seal and only accessible to outside counsel for West Penn and experts. Highmark has said it contains "confidential business information" that would "prejudice Highmark's business interests if released to UPMC," according to the report.
The issue is related to a 2009 lawsuit filed by West Penn in which it sued both UPMC and Highmark for allegedly conspiring to block competition. After Highmark agreed to take control of West Penn this year, West Penn adjusted that lawsuit by dropping Highmark as a defendant. UPMC now stands as the single defendant in that suit.
UPMC says West Penn should disclose its deal with Highmark before a federal judge decides whether or not that original antitrust complaint from 2009 can be revised.
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