Local jobs should not be impacted by merger
Little, if any, Philadelphia-area jobs said to be lost in the proposed merger of Merck and Schering-Plough Corp. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports on the effects of this and other recent big Pharma mergers.
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.
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.
Highmark still growing
Often one of the last industries to see a downturn in times of a recession, the healthcare business has been suffering lately. An exception, however, is Highmark Inc.; the large health insurer based in Pittsburgh.
Senate Committee to Discuss Blues’ Merger Today
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.
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.
Blues merger update
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
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.