July 14th, 2008

An editorial published in the Philadelphia Inquirer asks state Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario to make sure upcoming public hearings on the proposed merger between Highmark Inc. and Independence Blue Cross are “more than a dog-and-pony show.”

The Inquirer questions the proposed deal which offers no “rate reductions on premiums, or other tangible benefits for individuals and businesses strugglin to pay steady double-digit increases in health premiums.”

According to the article, the only real winners in this merger would be the top executives of the two companies who may very likely receive huge bonuses if this merger is approved. 

The final public hearings on the proposed merger will take place in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 15 and Wednesday, July 16.