The union has been siding with Highmark throughout the tumultuous contract negotiations. In its radio ads, the union criticizes UPMC for potentially subjecting patients to “a life or death challenge,” according to the report.
UPMC-Highmark contracts are set to expire June 30, 2013, and UPMC has indicated that it plans to end its relationship with the insurer after that date. That decision is largely based on Highmark’s pending acquisition of West Penn Allegheny Health System, which is a competitor of UPMC.
Neal Bisno, president of SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, said in the report, “Our members are very committed to a healthcare system that works for our [patients] and for our communities. And that means having real choice in healthcare [and] making sure that big systems like UPMC aren’t becoming monopolies.”
Related Articles on UPMC and Highmark:
West Penn Allegheny Claims UPMC Bribed Physicians to Leave
New Judge for 2009 UPMC-Highmark Lawsuit Adds Sense of Urgency to Case
Highmark, West Penn Merger Gets Public Support in Hearing
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