PA Senators Can Now Choose Between UPMC and Highmark. Constituents Cannot.

[blue neen]

Last edited Thu Jun 26, 2014, 09:18 PM - Edit history (2)

Well, isn't that interesting? The PA Senate, for the first time, can choose coverage from UPMC OR Highmark. All of this happens at the same time that the PA Senate refused to even put a bill on the table to force UPMC and Highmark to settle. Many taxpayers in western PA will not have the luxury of the Senators' choice. Those same taxpayers will be forced to change doctors, hospitals, labs....healthcare providers who they've had for years.

"The state Senate isn't picking sides in the battle between UPMC and Highmark Inc. when it comes to its own health insurance coverage in Western Pennsylvania."

"Senators, their staff and retirees residing in 29 counties in Western Pennsylvania will have a choice between UPMC and Highmark for health coverage, according to an email sent on Tuesday to employees by Chief Clerk Donetta D'Innocenzo."

"While the decision keeps the Republican-controlled Senate neutral in the contract fight between the two companies, it is a victory of sorts for UPMC. Highmark is the exclusive provider of insurance for Senate employees across the state. UPMC is now an option for those in the affected counties."

"Lawmakers and supporters of Highmark have been pushing for legislative action that would force UPMC hospitals to contract with the state's largest health insurer. The state Senate hasn't taken up any bills on the matter."


Read more: http://triblive.com/business/headlines/6339806-74/upmc-highmark-senate#ixzz35nNhyaRU
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[blue neen]

1. Here's what State Senator Don White has to say now, in June 2014:

"State Sen. Don White, R-Indiana, who is chairman of the Banking and Insurance Committee, opposed bills in his committee that would have forced UPMC and Highmark into a contract."

“For several years, I have been publicly calling on UPMC and Highmark to set aside the rhetoric and develop a clear and concise transition plan so the citizens of Western Pennsylvania can prepare for the contract expiration on Dec. 31,” White said. “While this transition may be complex in the short run, I truly believe Western Pennsylvania is on the doorstep of experiencing true competition in the health care marketplace in both the insurance and health care provider markets.”

Read more: http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/6343353-74/highmark-upmc-contract#ixzz35nS0P2cH
Follow us: @triblive on Twitter | triblive on Facebook

[blue neen]

2. What State Senator Don White had to say in 2011 was a little different:

"During the committee review of these issues the focus will be on one question: what is best for the consumer? The reality is the current fear over whether those insured by Highmark will have access to UPMC has rightly dominated this conversation. However, we must also consider the long term consequences this dispute will have on consumers. UPMC finally allowing additional insurers into their network provides an opportunity for increased competition in the marketplace, while Highmark’s acquisition of West Penn provides the opportunity to ensure that UPMC does not become the sole provider of health care services in western Pennsylvania."

http://www.senatordonwhite.com/2011/08/25/forums-may-determine-state-role-in-upmchighmark-dispute/

AND:

"Recognizing the impact the UPMC and Highmark dispute could have on millions of Pennsylvanians, Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Chairman Senator Don White (R-Indiana) and Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) have drafted legislation to protect consumers if the two parties do not settle their grievances."

"Senate Bill 1358 would amend state law to give the State Insurance Commissioner greater authority to extend the terms of the existing contract between Highmark and UPMC, thereby providing additional time to allow for adjustments to the health care marketplace in western Pennsylvania."

<snip>

MOST IMPORTANTLY:

"We as legislators cannot simply stand on the sidelines and watch consumers get pushed off a cliff,” Senator White said. “Since neither side seems willing to work towards reaching an agreement, it becomes more and more apparent that legislative action will be necessary.”

http://www.senatordonwhite.com/2011/12/08/senators-white-costa-address-highmark-upmc-impasse/

Guess what, Senator White. The consumers got pushed off a cliff, holding their tax bills for YOUR health insurance choices in their hands.

[Curmudgeoness]

3. What a surprise!

There are times that my stomach actually turns over the hypocrisy of the people who are supposed to be representing us.

I am disgusted with him and all the rest of them that are willing to vote themselves a way out and screw the rest of us.

[blue neen]

5. They don't care.

They're getting their healthcare, and their paychecks, and pensions...all the perks.

Isn't it strange how Senator White changed his tune over UPMC and Highmark?

[Curmudgeoness]

7. I can only guess that someone bought him out.

Another no surprise.

[blue neen]

8. Apparently, he's also a big friend to the frackers.

No surprise there, either.

[PA Democrat]

4. Good to see that our wonderful Senate is taking care of themselves

while the rest of us get shafted. Many people are not offered a choice by their employers and are scrambling to find new health care providers and are worrying about the continuity of care.

I think it would be eye-opening to see how much money these guys have taken in campaign contributions from UPMC.

[blue neen]

6. Bingo.

The Senate can laugh all the way to the bank, while the rest of us are scrambling to find doctors. It's not just a pain, it's dangerous. Transitions to new doctors are going to result in risky interruptions in patients' healthcare.

The best part is that UPMC is a "non-profit" organization. Our tax dollars built those hospitals that we will no longer have access to.

[Mnemosyne]

9. Next up - 10% self-legislated raises. Argh... nt

[blue neen]

10. Yep x 50 State Senators...

The Republicans who represent only corporations (and not the taxpayers), and the Democrats who seem to afraid to challenge their colleagues.

Sigh. Such is life in Tom Corbett's Pennsylvania.

[Mnemosyne]

11. The utter gall of these people is astounding. He isn't liked in NW PA and it's pretty red here. nt