News For: Florida Independence Blue CrossCompetition Between Two Pennsylvania Blue Cross Insurers Would Improve Market For Consumers, Report Finds Pennsylvania health care providers and consumers would benefit more if insurers Independence Blue Cross and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield remained competitors rather than collaborators, according to a consultant hired by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department to evaluate the issue, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Illinois health economics firm LECG conducted the study. UAW workers ratify contract with Blue Cross UAW members at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan have voted 76 percent to 24 percent in favor of a new three-year contract. Contract dispute could affect Premera Blue Cross subscribers If a contract standoff isn't resolved, 16,000 people in Thurston County won't be able to use their Premera Blue Cross insurance at Providence St. Peter Hospital after Jan. 31. New contract for UAW, Blue Cross United Auto Workers members have voted by about a 3-1 margin to approve a new, three-year contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. |

