July 15th, 2008

Consumers Union, a national conusmer advocacy group, plans to voice its concerns today during a public hearing on the proposed merger of Highmark Inc. and Independence Blue Cross, reports the Patriot News.

The group, which publishes Consumer Reports magazine, is worried about the possibility of the two companies working to turn for-profit if the merger were approved.  Both Highmark and IBC are currently non-profit Blue Cross-Blue Shield plans.

Leaders for Highmark and Independence have said they have no plans to become for profit.

Today’s public hearing can be viewed online at http://www.ins.state.pa.us/.