New Website Available to Guide Consumers as Highmark and UPMC Contract Termination Nears

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the Dec. 31 termination of the contract between Highmark and UPMC nears, the Commonwealth is offering new resources at StayInformed.pa.gov to provide guidance to western Pennsylvania consumers.

This new website helps consumers cut through confusion and navigate the changes that could occur to health care coverage as a result of the Highmark and UPMC contract termination. It also outlines the key protections put into place through consent decrees signed by both parties earlier this year. 

"We took action through consent decrees earlier in the year to ensure health care consumers' rights were protected. And we've been actively leading the charge to preserve the public's right to continue to have access to quality, affordable health care," Insurance Commissioner Michael Consedine said. "Now we are doing our part to educate consumers about what to expect next, as well as to offer objective information and points of contact through StayInformed.pa.gov."

"Our departments worked collaboratively to serve as guideposts and offer needed resources in this comprehensive communications effort," explained Secretary of Health Michael Wolf. "One of our goals is to see that doctor-patient relationships are maintained wherever possible. It's very important that consumers know what questions to ask their health care provider and insurance company about their specific care needs and individual coverages."

The resources, which will continue to be updated, will be available through the website and will be promoted to consumers. Funding for this campaign was provided by both UPMC and Highmark as part of the agreements reached this past summer with the two organizations.

Media contacts: 
Rosanne Placey, Insurance, 717-787-3289
Aimee Tysarczyk, Health, 717-787-1783

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-website-available-to-guide-consumers-as-highmark-and-upmc-contract-termination-nears-300008611.html

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Insurance; Pennsylvania Department of Health

Related Links

http://www.stayinformed.pa.gov/