October 01, 2008

Blue Cross Merger

Here is a letter sent to Robert Brackbill & Don White regarding the proposed merger of Highmark and Independence Blue Cross. This spells trouble for the PA health care industry if the merger does go through.


A merger of Blue Cross could be devastating to the people of Pennsylvania and their health insurance as well as the health care providers. It is not worth the one-time payment of $1 billion to the state.

Competition is needed to maintain not only consumer protection, but health care provider protection as well. The state needs to open up its health care market to insurers outside of Pennsylvania in order for the natural market forces to work most efficiently and effectively. Competition is what keeps companies in check. Merging these two giants will do nothing except cause problems and increased premiums.

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