Yesterday, Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court Judge Dan Pellegrini ruled that UPMC must contract with Highmark through the end of 2019.

Highmark released the following statement on the Commonwealth Court Ruling to the news media:

“We are pleased with the Commonwealth Court ruling that supports in-network access to UPMC hospitals in Pittsburgh and Erie through 2019 for Highmark Medicare Advantage Security Blue and Freedom Blue members. We have long said this decision was the intention of the Highmark and UPMC Consent Decrees.”

Key messages related to this ruling include:

• We are committed to doing what is best for our members.
• Judge ruled that the Medicare Agreement will remain in effect until the end of 2019 for Security Blue HMO and Freedom Blue PPO products.
• Highmark is committed to continuing to serve our members with a full spectrum of products for Medicare members now and in the future.
• Our Medicare plans include options that include both in-network and out-of-network benefits, as well as Medicare Supplement plans that allow members to access any provider who accepts Medicare.

A communication plan is in process and under review for MA clients and members. More information will be distributed as it is approved.