September 24th, 2008

A representative from University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s insurance subsidiary was among those who testified at yesterday’s Blues merger hearing in Harrisburg.

Said Daniel Vukmer, vice president and general counsel for UPMC Health Plan:

“The proposed consolidation will harm consumers and providers, and will not improve affordability, access or quality… It is somewhat ironic that we are considering allowing the creation of such an enormous entity that will essentially control health care across Pennsylvania into the future while we are in the midst of a financial meltdown resulting from putting too much faith in too few, large, influential companies.”

For some more details on UPMC’s thoughts on the merger, and their relationship with Highmark, check out the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.