W. Pa. leaders support Highmark-West Penn merger

W. Pa. leaders support Highmark-West Penn merger

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and other local leaders are urging state regulators to quickly approve Highmark, Inc.’s proposed merger with the West Penn Allegheny hospital system.

The state Insurance Department, which is reviewing the merger, sponsored a public hearing on the topic Tuesday in Pittsburgh.

Several speakers said the proposed deal has the potential to increase competition for health care services in the region.

Highmark, the state’s largest insurer, signed a $475 million agreement last November with the six-hospital West Penn Allegheny system. The deal will provide a financial cushion for West Penn Allegheny, which has lost money in recent years.

The transaction also needs approvals from the state Attorney General’s Office and Allegheny County Orphan’s Court.