September 2nd, 2008

Yesterday, Allentown’s Morning Call featured an article on the proposed merger of IBC and Highmark, saying that regulators’ decision on whether or not it will be allowed “will set off a health care earthquake that likely will rearrange Pennsylvania’s insurance landscape.”

Featuring many comments by those on both sides of the issue, the article provides an in-depth look at what those in the healthcare and insurance industries are saying would be the results of such a large-scale merger– which would be the largest ever in PA, and one of the largest ever in the country.

Among the arguments of those against the merger are that it would create a health insurance monopoly, and that the companies’ promise to keep premiums low would be broken.  The merger’s supporters counter that both companies are dedicated to public service, and that the combination would streamline the resulting company’s processing.

 Check out the full article for more detailed info on the merger buzz.