Independence Blue Cross wants to increase rates by 20-50% for certain nongroup policyholders
The filed for the changes to take effect on July 1.
After the merger withdrawal
What’s going on now that the proposed Highmark – IBC merger is no more; including stories about Rendell still needing to find funding for his health plan, and the insurance companies’ plans.
Philly Inquirer: Health insurance still locked up
Pennsylvania recently escaped a probable health insurance disaster, many agree, with IBC and Highmark withdrawing their request to merge. However, the Philadelphia Inquirer reminds us today, PA is still stuck with a bleak health insurance market.
Weekly Wrap Up: 1/19 ->1/23
Although the Legislature was not in session this week, there were two startling announcements:
1. Independence Blue Cross and Highmark Blue Shield withdrew their application for a merger
2. Governor Rendell reported a $2.3 billion revenue shortfall and impending layoffs
Highmark & IBC sing the Blues
The last few days have seen an abundance of newspaper articles and editorials [...]
Blues Merger Blitz
All you need to know about the latest on the death of the Blues merger.
Phila. Inquirer: The Blues merger is NOT happening!
Independence Blue Cross and Highmark did not like the provisions that Ario put forth; particularly one specifying what brand under which they would be able to carry on.
Ario setting the stage for a Blues merger
The Insurance Department has let the Blues know privately that it will not approve the merger unless the new company agrees to make an important change in how it markets health insurance in Pennsylvania, among other conditions; reports the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Center for American Progress: Why approving the Highmark/IBC merger will damage the Pennsylvania economy and set it on the wrong direction for health care reform
This afternoon, the Center for American Progress posted on their website an article outlining their opposition to the Blues merger, detailing the problems it says the merger would create.
Times-Tribune: Blues merger decision could alter health insurance market
In the last part of their series on the Pennsylvania Blues, the Times-Tribune’s Daniel Axelrod writes about how state Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario’s decision on the proposed Blues merger between Highmark and Independence Blue Cross could change PA’s health insurance market for years to come.
Times-Tribune featuring new series on Blues’ health insurance rates
The Times-Tribune yesterday published Part I of a five-part series on PA’s non-profit health insurance companies: Blue Shield operator Highmark Inc. of Pittsburgh, Capital Blue Cross in Harrisburg, Independence Blue Cross in Philadelphia and Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre.