Philadelphia Inquirer: Senate committee should recommend a rejection of Blues merger
Today the Philadelphia Inquirer editorializes on the proposed Blues merger, on which Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario will soon make a decision.
House panel probably won’t provide input on Blues merger
The Pennsylvania General Assembly’s Insurance Committee probably will not take any official action in favor of or against the proposed merger between Independence Blue Cross and Highmark Inc. when it meets tomorrow, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer.
House Insurance Committee holding discussion today about Blues merger
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.
Latest in Inquirer’s health series: A man with a broken arm and no health insurance
“Richard Hershman is sick and poor, partly, he said, because he abused drugs and did not lead a model life,” reports the Philadelphia Inquirer. “When he slipped and broke his arm, he could not get surgery to repair it properly because he had no insurance.”
UPMC St. Margaret shutting down cardiac, pulmonary program
In light of increased costs for maintaining its services, while having to deal with lower reimursement rates from insurance companies and government programs, UPMC St. Margaret has announced that it will shut down its cardiac and pulmonary services on Jan. 5.
Women paying more than men for identical health insurance policies
Striking new evidence has emerged of a widespread gap in the cost of health insurance, reports the New York Times, as women pay much more than men of the same age for individual insurance policies providing identical coverage.
Capital BlueCross appoints new President/CEO
Capital BlueCross has called off a national search for a CEO, and instead given the job to its board chairman, William Lehr Jr.
New state website a valuable resource for families with autistic children
The site is designed to help find answers to insurance coverage questions regarding autism spectrum disorder.
Latest in Philly Inquirer health insurance series
A woman with an abdominal tumor and no health insurance tries to get care.
Doctor/professor: Beware of “bean-counter” health care
The Patriot-News today features the opinion of a doctor warning Pennsylvanians about the negative consequences of “pay for performance” programs touted by some insurance companies.