Statement on Medicare Advantage Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling

PITTSBURGH, Pa. (July 18, 2018) — We are disappointed in today's Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling. While this is not how we interpreted the Consent Decrees intended to guide the Highmark and UPMC relationship, we will work in full compliance with the ruling and trust UPMC will do the same.

Highmark's Medicare Advantage Security Blue HMO and Freedom Blue PPO members will continue to have in-network access to all UPMC hospitals including those in Pittsburgh and Erie through December 31, 2018, and do not need to take any action at this time.

We have a long history of offering a broad range of products for our Medicare members including both in-network and out-of-network benefits. We will continue to work on developing new options to help ensure access to local health care providers and while traveling. We welcome members to contact us directly during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period for further details on new and enhanced benefits and options for 2019.

There is no change for Highmark's Community Blue Medicare HMO and PPO or Medigap Blue members with this ruling. Highmark's Medigap supplemental insurance has no network. All Medicare Part B participating providers must bill and accept Medigap insurance products for their Medicare patients.