Administrators here unclear on UPMC/Highmark decree
Faculty and staff have felt the impact “very much” from the Highmark/UPMC fight and the resultant June 27, 2014, consent decree, John Kozar, assistant vice chancellor for Human Resources, told the Senate benefits and welfare committee Sept. 18. The decree will allow Highmark health insurance holders in-network access to certain UPMC facilities. Kozar said Pitt officials had met with both sides in an attempt to understand how the new rules affect Pitt employees with Highmark insurance.
“You give it to 10 people, you’re going to get 10 different interpretations,” he said.
“We’re struggling with that. Quite frankly it’s going to be an issue for the next few years.” It is clear that emergency room visits to any facility will be covered for employees with Highmark insurance, “but what happens from there is still under debate.” Students whose parents have Blue Cross insurance — from Highmark or elsewhere in the state or country — “could be impacted” as well. “We’re working through those issues. It’s a little frustrating for everybody.”
—Marty Levine