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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Dom Costa
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Costa: Highmark acquisition of West Penn Allegheny Health System
ensures positive outcomes
ALLEGHENY, April 19 – In response to testimony at Wednesday’s public hearing held by the state Insurance Department, state Rep. Dom Costa, is encouraging state Insurance Commissioner Michael Consedine to act swiftly and allow Highmark to acquire the struggling hospital system.
Costa, D-Allegheny, spent the day listening to testimony from West Penn Allegheny Health System, Highmark and the public regarding the effects the merger will have on insurance costs, competition, West Penn Allegheny Health System’s financial solvency and the surrounding communities.
“The remarks were overwhelmingly positive and in favor of Highmark acquiring West Penn Allegheny Health System,” Costa observed. “Every day that goes by because of a delayed decision costs the hospital more money and pushes them in to further financial struggle. The acquisition has the ability to turn them back in to a thriving and viable hospital.”
Costa expressed concern for the impact a closure of the hospital system would have on the region.
“There are more than 11,000 jobs at stake here,” explained Costa. “Local businesses in towns such as Bloomfield are sure to see the harmful ripple effects if West Penn would be forced to close its doors.
“Delaying a decision that will provide the region with healthcare options and bring financial solvency to the struggling West Penn Allegheny Health System may prove detrimental to our communities. I encourage Commissioner Consedine to act swiftly to ensure positive outcomes for all parties involved.”
Consedine has not yet set a deadline to issue a decision; however, Highmark Chairman and acting CEO Robert Baum indicated he believes a decision will come this October.