UPMC, Highmark reach agreement

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Western Pennsylvania health care behemoths UPMC and Highmark struck a deal announced Monday that averts the looming breakup of their business relationship and prevents disruption and higher costs for some patients.

The contract will extend Highmark insurance customers’ in-network access to UPMC doctors and hospitals for another decade, access that had been scheduled to expire Sunday with the end of a five-year, state-brokered consent decree.

Attorney General Josh Shapiro, a Democrat who earlier this month lost a court decision in his effort to extend the companies’ relationship, called the agreement a good deal for patients and the public.

“When you’re sick, every day matters,” Shapiro said at a news conference in Pittsburgh. “Today, millions of Pennsylvanians and their families can rest easy because they don’t have to worry about their health care changing after June 30.”

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