PA Insurance Department Schedules Public Hearing on Highmark Grant Request for Allegheny Health Network

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 20, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Acting Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller today announced that her department will hold a public hearing on Monday, May 4, 10 a.m., in the second floor auditorium of the Rachel Carson Office Building, 400 Market Street, regarding Highmark, Inc.'s request to transfer $175 million from Highmark, in the form of a grant, to the Allegheny Health Network (AHN).  Highmark requested the grant March 9 for capital investments to the AHN. The hearing will also be open to comments on Highmark's and Allegheny Health Network's current and projected financial condition, and Highmark's development and operation of the integrated health care delivery network since the Insurance Department approved the company's creation of the health care network in April, 2013.

"As these issues impact many health care consumers, it is appropriate to hold this hearing and gather input prior to deciding on the approval of the grant transfer," Miller said.  "The PA Department of Insurance remains dedicated to providing oversight for policy holders."

Individuals wishing to make comments at the hearing are encouraged to pre-register at www.insurance.pa.gov, by April 30, 5 p.m..  Public comment is limited to10-minute time slots per individual.  Individuals are also encouraged to submit their written comments by April 30, 5 p.m., a to David H. Phelps, Financial Analyst, Financial Analysis Division, Insurance Department, 1345 Strawberry Square, Harrisburg, PA  17120.  Comments may be emailed to [email protected], or faxed to (717) 787-8557.  Individuals who wish to offer comments but have not pre-registered will be accepted as time permits. Written comments will also be accepted in lieu of attendance.

Please note, if using Google Chrome as your internet browser, click on "Top News" on the homepage to make the pre-registration icon appear.

The hearing will be livestreamed.  This livestream may be viewed by clicking on the following link: http://pacast.com/players/live_insurance.asp.

Anyone attending the hearing will be asked to sign in at the registration desk.  The Insurance Department strongly encourages preregistration for all persons interested in attending by April 30 at www.insurance.pa.gov.

Individuals requiring the assistance of auxiliary aids or services to participate in or attend the hearing are asked to call the Director of the Bureau of Administration at 717-787-4298.  Individuals who are hearing impaired are asked to call the Insurance Department, TTY/TDD 717-783-3898.

MEDIA CONTACT:   Ron Ruman, Insurance Department, 717-787-3289                 

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Insurance