State approves merger of Blue Cross of NEPA with High Mark Blue Cross Blue Shield

June 02--WILKES-BARRE -- Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Pennsylvania's largest health insurer, has received state approval to merge Wilkes-Barre-based Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

According to a news release, the merged company, which will continue to provide health insurance coverage and administrative services to about 550,000 individuals in 13 counties of northeastern Pennsylvania, will be operated as "Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield."

"This merger is a natural progression of the successful business relationship that Highmark and BCNEPA have maintained for decades to best serve the health care needs of the residents of northeastern and north central Pennsylvania," said Highmark Health Plan President Deborah Rice-Johnson. "We anticipate continued success in the region and look forward to providing our members with improved quality, accessibility and affordability of health care."

It is not anticipated that BCNEPA members' benefits will change in the short term. The company has indicated that in the long term, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield will "use its resources, tools and advanced technologies to enhance the products and services offered to members."

As part of the merger agreement, Highmark has agreed to maintain operations and substantial staffing levels in the region, and to create a local advisory board that will include former BCNEPA board members to maintain the region's voice in major issues for at least four years.

Check back later for an updated story at timesleader.com.

Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLggibbons.

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