Corbett administration's decision on Pennsylvania health insurance exchange provides clarity

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Corbett administration today announced that Pennsylvania will utilize the federally facilitated model for the health insurance exchange that will serve the commonwealth beginning on Oct.1, 2013.

The administration's announcement today provides needed clarity for all health care stakeholders preparing for reform. Since the Affordable Care Act became law, Highmark has been working to comply with the regulations and will be offering products on the exchanges.

We believe that exchanges should provide broad choice for consumers; facilitate a competitive marketplace; and hold participating insurers accountable to the same regulatory rules and requirements. The exchange model should draw on the expertise of state insurance regulators who know and understand the unique needs of the local insurance marketplace.

Highmark remains focused on complying with the law, on guiding our customers and members through the changes related to reform, and on developing innovative new models of coverage and delivery that ensure our members have access to affordable, high-quality health care.

About Highmark
Highmark Inc. is a national diversified health and wellness company based in Pittsburgh that serves 34.4 million people across the United States through its businesses in health insurance, dental insurance, vision care, information technology and integrated health care delivery. The company, which has more than 20,000 employees, is the ninth-largest overall U.S. health insurer and the fourth-largest Blue Cross and Blue Shield-affiliated company. Highmark operates health insurance plans in Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia that serve 4.9 million members. The company also offers health and wellness products to clients with employees throughout the country and is a recognized leader in reinsurance. In addition, the company operates more than 600 optical retail stores and four U.S.-based eyewear manufacturing facilities. Highmark is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.

SOURCE Highmark Inc.

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