Another case of the Blues

Another Pennsylvania newspaper is asking questions about the proposed merger of Pittsburgh-based Highmark and Philadelphia's Independence Blue Cross.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette concludes the creation of a mega-insurer "will keep the insurers robust and healthy, but it may not be as good for the rest of us."

From an editorial, "Case of the blues: Insurance merger threatens trouble for consumers" --

Anyone worried, as we are, about the health of the consumer in this deal should weigh in before it's too late. Comments including the writer's name, address and phone number can be submitted by e-mail to rbrackbill@state.pa.us. Detailed instructions are on the state Insurance Department Web site at www.ins.state.pa.us.

Do you get the feeling the merger is a done deal and state regulators are just putting on a dog-and-pony show for the public?

Read the full editorial at the newspaper's Web site.