A federal judge approved a proposed partial settlement of an antitrust lawsuit that involves two of the largest healthcare companies in the northeast, according to Trib Live.
The lawsuit was brought by Cole's Wexford Hotel and alleges a conspiracy between UPMC and Highmark allowed the Pittsburgh-based companies' for-profit subsidiaries to overcharge customers for premiums by keeping competing insurers out of the local market. The hotel bought group health insurance from Highmark Health Insurance between 2010 and 2012.
In early 2016, UPMC tentatively agreed to pay $12.5 million to resolve the allegations. The tentative agreement did not involve Highmark.
This week, U.S. District Judge Joy Flowers Conti approved the settlement and asked UPMC and the hotel to submit an amended settlement.
UPMC and Highmark deny the allegations.