Similar bills filed in the Pennsylvania House and Senate would give the state more power to negotiate contracts between insurers and health care providers, including Highmark and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).

A Pittsburgh, Pa.-based health care network filed an application with the state to launch a new domestic company that would write workers’ compensation insurance policies.

Highmark and the West Penn Allegheny Health System (WPAHS) agreed on a definitive partnership and selected an interim chief executive officer to oversee the implementation of the agreement.

Pennsylvania’s largest health system and largest health insurer are at a standstill in contract negotiations, and show no signs of calling it quits before their contract expires in 2012.

Highmark Inc., the state’s largest health insurer, is shifting its small-group business to a for-profit entity, which will allow it to consider medical underwriting.

UPMC Health Plan signed an agreement to offer brain fitness software from Posit Science to all of its UPMC for Life Medicare Advantage members.

Pittsburgh-based health insurer Highmark is accused of blocking competition in Western Pennsylvania with the help of a local hospital system, according to a recently filed federal lawsuit.

West Penn Allegheny Health …  Read →