PA bill could extend Highmark-UPMC contract advances

Legislation that would give the Pennsylvania insurance commissioner greater authority to extend the terms -- by up to three years -- of a contract between Highmark Inc. and UPMC cleared a state Senate committee Tuesday. The state Senate Banking and Insurance Committee approved the legislation unanimously, according to its two main sponsors, Sen. Don White, R-Indiana, and Sen. Jay Costa, D-Forrest Hill. White said: "After hearing testimony and considering submissions by consumers, physicians, advocacy groups, and the primary parties involved in this dispute, it would be unacceptable to allow physicians' contracts to expire on June 30, 2012 without state action."