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A Pennsylvania state senator is questioning whether the proposed merger of the Pennsylvania's two largest health insurers will have long-term benefits for consumers.
Sen. Don White said Thursday the planned consolidation of Independence Blue Cross and Highmark Inc. would make the state's insurance market less competitive.
The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee chairman was among the people testifying at a hearing in Harrisburg before state Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario.
Rep. Frank Dermody says he supports the merger. The Allegheny County Democrat says a consolidation wouldn't affect competition because the two companies already operate in separate regional markets within Pennsylvania.
Independence Blue Cross in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh-based Highmark announced their intention to merge in March 2007.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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