AARP Pennsylvania Praises Highmark/UPMC Agreement

HARRISBURG, PA—AARP Pennsylvania today hailed the announcement of a 10 year contract between UPMC and Highmark in western Pennsylvania that will extend access to UPMC facilities and physicians for Highmark-insured customers.

AARP Pennsylvania State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh said reaching an agreement before the July 1 expiration of the existing consent decree between the two companies means consumers will not face disruptions in coverage.

“Western Pennsylvania residents deserve access to high quality and affordable healthcare,” he said. “This contract will maintain that access for the next 10 years.”

Johnston-Walsh added that the agreement is good news for the many older adults in the region covered by Highmark’s Medicare Avantage insurance products. Under the terms of the contract, those customers will retain in-network access to UPMC doctors and hospitals.

“Western Pennsylvania is the nation’s largest market for Medicare Advantage supplemental insurance programs,” said Johnston-Walsh. “Many older adults were among those living under the threat of losing access to their health care providers.”

Johnston-Walsh also praised the work of Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro in brokering the contract between Highmark and UPMC that was announced yesterday.

“Thanks to the leadership of the Attorney General, this important agreement is in place and providing peace of mind to consumers throughout western Pennsylvania.”