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.

Hearing tomorrow on Blues merger

October 6th, 2008

The last hearing on the Blues merger for this session is scheduled for tomorrow.

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.

Blues merger hearings will be held today and Oct. 7

September 23rd, 2008

The Senate Banking & Insurance Committee has scheduled two more public hearings on the potential merger between Independence Blue Cross and Highmark Inc.

Reports says Blues merger may not benefit public; Comment period extended

September 11th, 2008

A company hired by the state to review the proposed merger of Highmark and IBC has found that the public would likely benefit more from competition between the two companies.

Comment period on IBC-Highmark merger will end Sept. 30

September 2nd, 2008

State Insurance Commission Joel Ario has announced that the public comment period concerning the proposed Highmark-IBC merger will now end Sept. 30. 
Originally, the comment period was scheduled to end mid-July.

Merger decision will “rearrange PA’s insurance landscape”

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.”

Insurance Department Notice – Conclusion of Comment Period for Blues’ Merger

August 29th, 2008

Insurance Department Commissioner, Joel Ario, has posted his intention to close public comment for Blues’ Merger on September 30, 2008.

IBC & Highmark board chairs co-author letter to the Philadelphia Inquirer editor

August 29th, 2008

In a letter published today in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the board chairs of both Independence Blue Cross and Highmark, Inc. voice their disagreement with the Inquirer’s editorial published Aug. 20.