Developments in the Highmark – West Penn Allegheny Health System proposed merger

January 6th, 2012

According to documents just made public, two months before the state’s largest health insurer announced a deal to acquire West Penn, it advanced the financially troubled hospital network $25 million.

Highmark’s plan to alter pharmacy network leaves out Walgreens and Target pharmacies

December 14th, 2011

The move was a result of Highmark’s ability “to negotiate more aggressive discounts with the pharmacies that remained in the network, resulting in savings for Highmark’s employer groups and members,” said Highmark in a statement.

Court Refuses To Hear UPMC Antitrust Appeal

October 5th, 2011

The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear appeals by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and medical insurer Highmark Inc. objecting to a lower court’s decision to revive an antitrust suit against them by a smaller hospital network that competes with UPMC.

UPMC-Highmark contract disagreement prompts Sen. Fontana to propose revised property tax bill for nonprofits

September 12th, 2011

Sen. Fontana’s proposed legislation would require nonprofits to pay taxes on their land, but not their buildings and other improvements– but the first $200,000 of the assessed value of a nonprofit’s land would be exempt, which Fontana says is meant to insulate smaller nonprofits from the tax.

UPMC rejects Highmark’s new contract

August 4th, 2011

Health giant says no to new contract; Highmark says it’s still willing to talk, reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

UPMC wants seamless divorce

July 11th, 2011

UPMC hopes that the transition away from insurer Highmark Inc. will be smooth and easy.

Employees relieved by merger

June 29th, 2011

Employees see the merger between Highmark Inc. and West Penn Allegheny Health System as a comforting decision.

Highmark merging with West Penn Allegheny Health System

June 28th, 2011

Health insurer Highmark, Inc. says it’s merging with the struggling West Penn Allegheny Health System, reports The Patriot-News.

Consumers stressed about the feud between Highmark and UPMC

June 16th, 2011

The region’s largest health system and largest health insurer are scaring people with all of their talk about how patients will not have access to doctors and hospitals in the future, benefits managers told the Tribune-Review.

New communication and coordination method improves primary care

April 19th, 2011

Pittsburgh health insurer Highmark Inc. is planning to use patient centered medical homes as their newest form of primary care design. Their hope is that it will improve communication and coordination amongst doctors, patients and insurers.