After stating last month that it would not accept Highmark Medicare patients due to Highmark's cancer treatment "mark-ups," UPMC has been ordered by Commonwealth Court Judge Dan Pelligrini to continue to see the 182,000 seniors they currently serve through Highmark. UPMC has already vowed to appeal the court order under a scheduled arbitration to resolve the differences between the two providers. Pittsburgh Business Times health care reporter Kris Mamula joins us in studio. (starts at 15:13)
Mamula explains Pelligrini's ambitious hopes for the on-going dispute between UPMC and Highmark:
"He wants all of the contractual issues between Highmark and UPMC resolved by September 30th, which is an ambitious deadline given everything that has happened. ... He wants those things that divide them to be resolved." -Kris Mamula
Also, Acting State Police Commissioner Marcus Brown fielded questions from state Senators at his nomination hearing. Emily Prevetti has the details. And we'll preview this year's Three Rivers Arts Festival with director Veronica Corpuz, and finally, Elaine Labalme has special travel plans to help celebrate dad.
Marcus Brown Nomination Hearing (starts 0:00)
Acting State Police Commissioner Marcus Brown faced questions from state Senators yesterday at his nomination hearing. Topics included the death penalty and gun control as well as his controversial decision to wear the Pennsylvania State Police uniform without going through the training academy. State Capitol reporter Emily Prevetti covered the hearing and joins us with details.
2015 Three Rivers Arts Festival (starts at 30:39)
The ten-day Three Rivers Arts Festival begins this weekend. This year the annual celebration comprising concerts, art exhibits and food will highlight artists new to the festival. Joining us to provide an overview of this year’s festival is Three Rivers Arts Festival director Veronica Corpuz.
Travel: Father's Day (starts at 42:50)
It’s that time of year when the celebratory focus turns to dads and grads. Contributor Elaine Labalme joins us this week with travel suggestions dear old dad is sure to enjoy.
More Essential Pittsburgh segments can be found here.