PA Hospitals Respond to IBC-Highmark Merger Announcement

The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) today issued the following statement from President and CEO Carolyn F. Scanlan in response to today’s announcement by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Independence Blue Cross on their plan to consolidate or merge:

"Pennsylvania hospitals and health systems have been monitoring the potential for a merger of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Independence Blue Cross. Such a merger has significant implications for hospitals and, more importantly, for the patients and communities that hospitals serve.

"Like others, hospitals and health systems have many questions and concerns about the proposed merger or consolidation and its implications for Pennsylvania, as we have witnessed insurer consolidation across the nation.

"Hospitals and health systems will participate in the regulatory approval processes at the state and federal levels. We will be looking for detailed analyses and information about the proposed new company to enable informed participation on the impact of the proposed merger on communities, patients, hospitals, and other health care providers across the state. An open and transparent process by all parties in regard to all aspects of the merger is essential."