Atty General Josh Shapiro To Appeal State Judge’s Ruling On UPMC-Highmark Rivalry

A state judge in Pennsylvania has ruled that a state-brokered consent decree between health care rivals UPMC and Highmark cannot be extended beyond the end of June. Attorney General Josh Shapiro has sought to modify and extend the five-year agreement that gives Highmark members in-network access to UPMC hospitals and physicians. Judge Robert Simpson cited a state Supreme Court ruling. A Shapiro spokesman said an appeal to the high court is planned.