This page is dedicated to the bitter corporate dispute between Highmark, Inc. and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). With over 3 million members, Highmark is the largest health insurer in our state. UPMC is a 14-hospital system with over 2,000 doctors and worldwide operations. Both are highly successful, Pittsburgh based, tax-exempt organizations. Both control over 60% of their respective markets, and are top employers in Allegheny County.
In June 2010, Highmark announced that it planned to acquire West Penn Allegheny Health System (WPAHS), the second largest health care provider in our region, which is on the brink in financial collapse. Highmark described the acquisition as an attempt to preserve provider choice and competition for consumers. In response, UPMC ended contract renewal negotiations with Highmark, and reasoned that it would be inappropriate and unwise for UPMC to contract with a competitor. The UPMC-Highmark provider contract is now set to expire in June 2011.
I believe that this dispute underscores the need for a fundamental paradigm shift in how we as a region and state finance and deliver healthcare services. It is unacceptable that one bitter dispute between two entities, can threaten access to healthcare for millions of hard working Pennsylvanians and their families. I encourage you to watch the videos, read through the blog and articles that are provided, and contact my office or the office of your elected representatives to tell them what you think about UPMC vs. Highmark.
- Senator Jim Ferlo
- UPMC vs. Highmark Blog
- Photo Galleries
- Watch UPMC/Highmark Banking & Insurance Hearing
- Handouts from UPMC/Highmark Banking & Insurance Hearing
UPMC vs. Highmark – Citizen Soap Box
Click here to visit the UPMC vs. Highmark Citizen Soapbox blog; a source for updates for advocates and policy makers, the most up to date news on the ongoing debate, and additional information and resources on health care policy.
Photo Gallery
UPMC-Highmark Hearing :: November 30, 2011
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Senator Ferlo Hosts Town Hall Meeting
September 8, 2011: Senator Ferlo hosts and moderates a town hall meeting to focus on consumer frustration and anger about the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and Highmark, Inc. (Highmark) conflict.
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Ferlo UPMC/Highmark Town Hall
Ferlo at UPMC/Highmark Banking & Insurance
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Handouts from Hearing
- Statement from Kenneth R. Melani, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer and Deborah L. Rice, Executive Vice President, Health Services Division
- Statement of Jeffrey A. Romoff, President and CEO, UPMC
- Tab A: Remarks on West Penn Allegheny Health System Affiliation and Highmark – UPMC Contract from Kenneth R. Melani, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer and Deborah L. Rice, Executive Vice President, Health Services Division
- Overview of Highmark’s Strategic Vision
- Highmark, WPAHS Partnership Announcement :: Statements and Q & A from J. Robert Baum, Ph.D.
- Q & A with Kenneth R. Melani and Deborah L. Rice :: September 22, 2011
- Rating Action: Moody’s Downgrades West Penn Allegheny Health System’s (PA) Bond Rating to Caa1 from B2; Outlook Remains Negative
- Patient Care Assurance Plan :: Major Issues for Resolution in the UPMC/Highmark Unwind