Health care dispute addressed

By JIM BUSCH

For the MV Independent

The normally quiet confines of the McKeesport Carnegie Library were filled Monday with the loud voices of local residents venting frustration with the health care crisis brought about by the conflict between UPMC and Highmark. 

Allegheny County Controller Chelsa Wagner, who called the town hall meeting, wanted to collect stories of what she called the “divorce” between the health care giants and its impact on local residents. She explained that after receiving decades of support from both the government and premiums paid by local residents, these organizations should be held accountable to the taxpayers who “built and subsidized these organizations for decades.” Wagner challenged the idea that the split was inevitable. 

“No one elected Highmark or UPMC to make these decision which impacts so many of our citizens,” Wagner said. “I believe the stakeholders should have a voice in this process.” 

She launched an initiative, HealthcarePgh.com, to petition Pennsylvania’s attorney general and elected officials to address this issue. She believes that if enough Pennsylvanians share their stories of how the UPMC/Highmark split has affected them and their loved ones, it will move the legislature to action. 

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