Highmark Inc. executives acknowledged on Monday that a long-term contract with UPMC is essential to providing more than $1 billion to establish a competing hospital system with struggling West Penn Allegheny Health System. Chief Financial Officer Nanette DeTurk said the pursuit of a contract with UPMC means it could take Highmark twice as long to return West Penn Allegheny to profitability if Highmark members can continue accessing UPMC facilities after the end of 2014, when current reimbursement contracts end.
