Highmark and Independence Blue Cross merger
originally posted: 11/22/2006 reposted: 2/18/2011 This post has not been recently reviewed or revised by the author and may be out of date. If you notice an error or are in doubt, please send a new question by email or ask for an update. Email asktony@tonynovak.com.
Q: What is your opinion of the proposed merger of Pennsylvania's Blue Cross companies?
A: It is not a good deal for PA residents. The Pennsylvania health insurance market would become an oligopoly if the planned merger between the state's two largest insurers is completed. Highmark Blue Cross and Independence Blue Cross have 27 percent and 28 percent of the state's health insurance. The merger would result in efficiency gains for the insurer but almost no one thinks that would translate to premium savings to customers. Doctors and hospitals oppose the merger; fearing the power that the single entity would exercise on payments for medical services. Physicians' groups also oppose the proposed merger.
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