Authorizing the establishment of a special committee to review the consent decree that forms the basis of the transition agreement between the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center ("UPMC") and Highmark, Inc. ("Highmark"), together with the implementation of such agreement.
Whereas, on June 27, 2014, UPMC and Highmark entered a consent decree in order to address certain issues relating to the expiration of the two parties' contract relating to health care services, the terms of which have recently been made public; and
Whereas, while this consent decree has been described as intended to provide clarity with regard to how health care services would be provided after the expiration of the contract, published reports indicate that there is lingering confusion in some quarters regarding emergency care rates, the conditions under which individuals insured by Highmark could remain under the care of their current UPMC physicians, and other similar transitional issues; and
Whereas, the mechanics of this transition are of profound importance for the health, welfare and safety of a significant number of Allegheny County residents; and
Whereas, it is the desire of Council to obtain as much information as possible to evaluate the specifics of the consent decree and transition arrangements between UPMC and Highmark, in order to provide accurate information to the County's residents and to evaluate the terms of the transition agreement;
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS MOVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY,
That this Council hereby authorizes the establishment of a special committee to review the consent decree that forms the basis of the transition agreement between the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center ("UPMC") and Highmark, Inc. ("Highmark"), together with the implementation of such agreement.
PRIMARY SPONSOR: COUNCIL MEMBER KRESS
CO-SPONSORS: PRESIDENT DeFAZIO