Published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, by Steve Twedt

June 2, 2014

Gov. Tom Corbett today said he has created a "Patients First" leadership team to address the ongoing contract dispute between Highmark, Inc. and UPMC.

Mr. Corbett said he has directed Insurance Commissioner Mike Consedine and Department of Health Secretary Michael Wolf to meet with senior managers at both entities beginning this week "to make sure that Pennsylvanians in the western part of the Commonwealth have clarity about their health care come January 1, 2015, and in the years to come."

He also has asked Attorney General Kathleen Kane "to join us in these discussions."

With the current contract that gives Highmark members in-network access to UPMC physicians and facilities due to expire Jan. 1, "the companies must work together and develop a plan to ensure ongoing and affordable access to key medical facilities, providers, and unique or specialized medical services," the governor said in a statement.

“No patient in the midst of treatment should be told he or she needs to find a new doctor, nor should anyone need to travel outside the area because their local community hospital is no longer an option."

He added that “I expect that the parties will not negotiate through combative public displays that only serve to add to existing consumer confusion and fright. The fear-mongering needs to stop.

“The time has come for leaders from both sides to get together around a table and figure out a reasonable plan."

UPMC has steadfastly said it will not renew or extend its contract with Highmark now that the insurer has established its own integrated delivery network, the Allegheny Health Network, to compete with UPMC.

This morning, UPMC spokesman Paul Wood said, "UPMC has been in active discussions with the governor and his team about a robust, patient-focused transition when the contracts expire at the end of this year" but gave no indication that UPMC was open to renewing or extending the Highmark contract.

(Steve Twedt, "Governor creates a team to address UPMC, Highmark dispute," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 6/2/14)