Published in the Pittsburgh Business Times, by Kris B. Mamula

June 6, 2014

State Senate Democratic leader Jay Costa wants Gov. Tom Corbett's help in settling the Highmark-UPMC contract dispute.

Corbett earlier announced a Patients First initiative that would ease the transition for patients after the Highmark-UPMC contract expires at year’s end, but Costa said the effort doesn’t go far enough.

“Meetings are important, and engagement and open dialogue are necessary, but the discussion must include in-network access to doctors and facilities for all if a patient has insurance,” Costa said in a prepared statement. “These are nonprofits, and there is a compelling interest in brokering an agreement that includes access for all, without restrictions.”

Costa, a democrat from Forest Hills, and Sen. Randy Vulakovich, a republican from Shaler Township, have sponsored bills that would give consumers access to hospitals and doctors regardless of the insurance coverage. Similar legislation is pending in the state House.

With Corbett's mediation efforts, Highmark and UPMC reached agreement to extend their contract until Dec. 31. There's no indication so far the agreement will extend beyond that date.

(Kris B. Mamula, "Corbett's help sought in ending Highmark-UPMC dispute," Pittsburgh Business Times, 6/6/14)