PITTSBURGH – September 13, 2011 -Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) joined members of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee for a public hearing in Pittsburgh regarding the ongoing contract dispute between the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and Highmark, Inc.
Sen. Costa speaks at Pittsburgh hearing regarding Highmark/UPMC dispute
“It is unfathomable that UPMC and Highmark have yet to come to a compromise to settle their dispute,” Costa said. “This impasse is creating a great deal of anxiety, and these negotiations should not center on the financial benefits seen by these huge non-profits, but on the continued health and well-being of Highmark customers that rely on UPMC hospitals and doctors. The health of Pennsylvania residents and the availability of quality of health care is something we cannot afford to jeopardize.”
The 10-year reimbursement contract between Highmark and UPMC, which gives Highmark customers ‘in-network’ access to UPMC facilities, is due to expire next summer. A one-year ‘run-out’ period would follow the expiration.
Hearings are being held in an effort to gather information and determine whether or not there is any way in which the legislature can intervene to bring the current situation to an acceptable resolution.
Costa also joined Democratic and Republican House Leaders in July, urging Highmark President/CEO Dr. Kenneth Melani and UPMC’s President and CEO Jeffrey Romoff to keep the public interest and accessibility to quality care as their top priority in working toward agreement. (Read a copy of the letter here)
Michael Consedine, Pennsylvania’s Insurance Commissioner, testified at Tuesday’s hearing and provided the following contact information for consumers who are seeking further information or assistance. (Read his testimony)
The website is www.insurance.pa.gov.
The toll-free hotline is 877-881-6388.
According to Secretary Consedine, the agency will soon have a unit dedicated solely to health questions, and they are also in the process of creating a webpage devoted to clarifying the UPMC/Highmark contract dispute.