Hearing Set On Highmark Acquisition Of Blue Cross

Oct. 31--WILKES-BARRE -- The Pennsylvania Insurance Department will hold a public informational hearing on Nov. 12 at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center on the application from Highmark, Inc. seeking department approval for their proposed acquisition of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

In a release from the Insurance Department, Commissioner Michael Consedine said the upcoming hearing in Scranton will give those in attendance the opportunity to hear directly from the applicants.

"The public also will have an opportunity to provide input on the proposed transaction in either the day or evening session," Consedine said. "Additionally, session presentations and comments will be web-streamed live to assure transparency and accessibility."

The two hearing sessions will be held in Casey Ballroom of Hilton Scranton & Conference Center, 100 Adams Ave., Scranton. The day session begins at 9 a.m. and the evening session starts at 7 p.m.

Melissa Fox, spokesperson for the Insurance Department, said the public can attend the hearing, but will not be allowed to offer comment or ask questions. She said a panel that includes the state insurance commissioner, the deputy commissioner of the office of corporate and financial regulation, and the chief legal counsel.

"Our panel will be asking questions of the representatives of both companies," Fox said. "Members of the public can submit questions or concerns to the Insurance Department via email."

Fox said the public comments/questions will be submitted to both companies and either or both may respond.

Fox said Highmark and Blue Cross will make presentations at the hearing. She said all public inquiries will be addressed, but not necessarily at the Nov. 12th hearing.

Fox said the proposal, related information and hearing registration are available at www.insurance.pa.gov via the home page masthead, or by clicking on the "Blue Cross/Blue Shield Plans" icon. The hearing sessions will be web-streamed live that day via that website.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBoboyle.

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