HARRISBURG, May 2, 2012 — Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) today issued the following statement on the agreement between Highmark and UPMC:
“The extension of the contract between Highmark and UPMC is good news and it’s the right thing to do for all health care consumers in the Western Pennsylvania. Many people have worked on this issue and worked toward this agreement. It is good to know that these efforts were not in vain.
“For too long there have been too many questions and too much apprehension about where consumers would be able to turn for life-saving health care if this issue were not resolved. Individuals, businesses, workers, seniors and so many others who are impacted can now be assured of access to high quality, low-cost health care for the near future.
[hdvideo id=32 ]
“By agreeing to provide access to health care facilities until 2015, the insurance and health care markets in Pittsburgh will have increased stability in a time of market adjustment. This access period will allow time to negotiate an even longer agreement that benefits all health care consumers in the Pittsburgh area.
“The agreement provides the kind of protection that workers, families, businesses, seniors and communities deserve. It is the type of arrangement that Sen. Don White and I – and all our colleagues from the region – envisioned when we drafted our legislation (SB 1358).
[hdvideo id=31 ]
“I want to personally commend the collective work of Gov. Corbett, Sen. Don White and members of his caucus, House leadership including Reps. Dermody and Turzai, lawmakers from Western Pennsylvania and especially my Senate Democratic colleagues who provided the strong support that was needed to work through the various problems and issues.
“I am pleased that we can put this issue aside and provide relief for all health care consumers served by both Highmark and UPMC.”
-30-