The U.S. Supreme Court declined to take a case accusing UPMC of anti-competitive conduct, but a district judge will let the suit proceed, according to a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review report.
In April 2009, Pittsburgh-based West Penn Allegheny Health System filed the suit that claims UPMC and insurer Highmark conspired to monopolize the healthcare market and drive the struggling system out of business.
The case will now be returned to U.S. District Judge Arthur Schwab, who dismissed it in Oct. 2009. West Penn appealed that decision, and Judge Schwab’s ruling was overturned. In January, UPMC and Highmark requested that the decision be taken to the Supreme Court, which declined to see the suit.
Now UPMC officials are questioning the lawsuit’s future and saying the allegations have less credibility since Highmark is slated to acquire West Penn Allegheny in a $475 million deal.
Related Articles on UPMC, Highmark and West Penn Allegheny Health:
UPMC Wants Supreme Court to Review West Penn’s Antitrust Lawsuit
Appeals Court Reinstates West Penn Allegheny Antitrust Suit Against UPMC, Highmark
West Penn’s Lawsuit Against UPMC, Highmark Dismissed
