Senate Committee to Discuss Blues’ Merger Today

November 20th, 2008

The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee is scheduled to meet today at 12:30 to consider recommendations on the proposed merger between Highmark, Inc., and Independence Blue Cross. The meeting is scheduled in Hearing Room 1 of the North Office Building.

Group requests Ethics investigation of Sen. Mellow’s position on Blue Cross board

November 19th, 2008

A govt’ watchdog group believes that Sen. Mellow’s board position with the Blue Cross of Northeastern Pa is a conflict because Mellow sits on the Senate’s Banking and Insurance Committee. That committee is making recomendations on the proposed merger between Independence Blue Cross and Highmark Inc. later this month.

Philadelphia Inquirer: Senate committee should recommend a rejection of Blues merger

November 19th, 2008

Today the Philadelphia Inquirer editorializes on the proposed Blues merger, on which Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario will soon make a decision.

House Insurance Committee holding discussion today about Blues merger

November 12th, 2008

The state House Insurance Committee will meet today today to discuss the proposed merger between Pennsylvania’s largest health insurance companies; Highmark Inc. and Independence Blue Cross. PCN TV will be airing the meeting live.

Blues merger update

October 8th, 2008

The CEOs of Independence Blue Cross and Highmark Inc. testified yesterday at a public hearing about the potential merger of the two health insurance companies.

Another argument against Blues merger

September 25th, 2008

Today’s Philadelphia Inquirer features an op-ed by Tom Knox, a former Democratic candidate for mayor of Philadelphia, former CEO of UnitedHealthcare Pennsylvania, and planned candidate for governor of PA.

UPMC testifies at Blues merger hearing

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.

Phila. Inquirer: Blues Merger bad for Pennsylvanians

September 22nd, 2008

Recently, the Pennsylvania Insurance Dept. recieved a 192-page report from an independent health-economics consulting firm stating that competition, instead of a merger, of the Highmark Inc. and Independence Blue Cross would create lower premiums and lower-costs for health service providers. Today, the Philadelphia Inquirer editorialized that they couldn’t agree more with this report, which they call “basic economics and common sense.”

Rick Speese on Blues Merger & PHC4

September 15th, 2008

Rick Speese, Executive Director of PA House Insurance Committee, on the Blues Merger, PHC4 from Danielle Kozich on Vimeo.

House Insurance Committee to hold Merger hearing Monday

September 5th, 2008

The committee will hold a public hearing on the proposed Highmark/IBC merger on Monday, September 8, at 1pm in Chester County.