On Wednesday, Pennsylvania Sen. Jim Ferlo (D) will lead a rally through downtown Pittsburgh to encourage West Penn Allegheny Health System and health insurer Highmark's return to the bargaining table, according to a Pittsburgh Business Times report.
"We don't want to see a protracted legal squabble," the senator said in the report. "We want to bang both of their heads together, get them out of the courtroom and into the boardroom."
West Penn nixed the $475 million merger plan with Highmark on Sept. 28, saying the insurer breached the affiliation agreement when it proposed West Penn file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to lower its price tag.
A West Penn spokesperson said the system endorses and supports the rally, noting that the system would "like to get back to the table anytime," according to the report.
No talks have been held with Highmark, although the payor has been vocal about returning to negotiations as well. Earlier this month, West Penn Board Chairman Jack Isherwood and Highmark President and CEO William Winkenwerder, MD, shared a phone call and planned to keep lines of communication open.
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"We don't want to see a protracted legal squabble," the senator said in the report. "We want to bang both of their heads together, get them out of the courtroom and into the boardroom."
West Penn nixed the $475 million merger plan with Highmark on Sept. 28, saying the insurer breached the affiliation agreement when it proposed West Penn file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to lower its price tag.
A West Penn spokesperson said the system endorses and supports the rally, noting that the system would "like to get back to the table anytime," according to the report.
No talks have been held with Highmark, although the payor has been vocal about returning to negotiations as well. Earlier this month, West Penn Board Chairman Jack Isherwood and Highmark President and CEO William Winkenwerder, MD, shared a phone call and planned to keep lines of communication open.
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