In July 2014, Highmark informed Aetna that the provider contract for Jefferson Hospital, which is part of Pittsburgh-based Allegheny Health Network, would not be renewed after Dec. 31, 2014. In early December 2014, Aetna sought an emergency hearing on the issue claiming the termination was a violation of specifications provided by Pennsylvania’s Insurance Department when Highmark acquired West Penn Allegheny Health System in 2013.
Subsequently, Aetna was granted an injunction preventing the termination of the contract at the end of December 2014.
Although the details of the new contract haven’t been revealed, Aetna released a statement to the Pittsburgh Business Times stating, “The court’s recent ruling was instrumental in helping both sides find a fair and reasonable solution that is focused on the needs of patients and members.”
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