Senator Dan Laughlin issued the following statement in response to today’s announcement of a 10-year contract between UPMC and Highmark that ensures patients will continue to have access to the physicians and services they need.
“The ongoing battle between these two megacorporations created a pervasive atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among far too many people in our area, especially families and senior citizens. I heard it from many constituents. They wanted a resolution to the constant bickering. My frustration with the crisis was clear in an op-ed piece I wrote almost exactly one year ago. (https://www.senatorlaughlin.com/2018/07/02/consent-decree-highmark-vs-upmc/) I actively worked on this issue. I met with officials from UPMC and Highmark and strongly urged them to move beyond their impasse for the sake – and health – of the patients they serve. I am pleased that this crisis has finally been resolved for the foreseeable future.
Contact: Matt Azeles mazeles@pasen.gov