Scorpion sting leaves Arizona woman with huge bill

[PA Democrat]

23. UPMC spent a lot of money to build their newest hospital in Monroeville

less than a mile from Forbes Regional Hospital. That area does not need another hospital and UPMC did this for no other reason than to work toward their goal of a monopoly on health care in this region. They have been buying up doctors' practices in droves as well and soon your only choice will be UPMC.

As someone with Highmark insurance and a preexisting condition, I was really angry with the prospect of UPMC and Highmark's contract negotiation impasse. I guess we have a temporary solution, but UPMC needs to be reined in. UPMC set rates for hospitals and doctors' charges and are one of the region's two largest health insurers as well. Gee, what could go wrong? All UPMC has to do is raise their rates for medical CARE to justify raising the rates for their health insurance plans. Refuse to negotiate rates with your largest insurance competitor and you have a nice little monopoly.