Public hearing on Blues deal here Monday

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, April, 2007 | by Jane M. Von Bergen Inquirer Staff Writer

Executives from Independence Blue Cross and Highmark Inc. will answer questions at a public hearing Monday in Philadelphia about the effect of the proposed merger of the state's two largest health insurers.

Sen. Arlen Specter (R., Pa.) released a letter yesterday asking the two companies' chief executive officers, Joseph A. Frick of Independence Blue Cross and Kenneth R. Melani of Highmark, to detail how the combined business would achieve the estimated $1 billion in savings and how they would allocate those savings.

The companies have promised to expand health benefits for the uninsured and to hold the administrative portion of insurance premiums steady. They also have said they will be able to achieve savings in...