1612 Applications for approval of the consolidation of Highmark, Inc. and Independence Blue Cross and to acquire control of the Pennsylvania domiciled insurance subsidiaries of Highmark, Inc. and Independence Blue Cross

INSURANCE DEPARTMENT

Applications for Approval of the Consolidation of Highmark, Inc. and Independence Blue Cross and to Acquire Control of the Pennsylvania Domiciled Insurance Subsidiaries of Highmark, Inc. and Independence Blue Cross

[38 Pa.B. 4844]
[Saturday, August 30, 2008]

Conclusion of Public Comment Period

   The Insurance Department (Department) published notice of receipt of the previous-referenced filings at 37 Pa.B. 2273 (May 12, 2007). The notice afforded persons the opportunity to provide written comments on the filings to the Department on the grounds of public or private interest for a period to expire no earlier than July 11, 2007. Through a subsequent notice, the public comment period was extended for an indefinite period of time to afford persons ample opportunity to provide written comments on the filings to the Department. (See 37 Pa.B. 3141 (July 7, 2007).) Within that July 7 notice, the Insurance Commissioner committed to a subsequent notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin announcing the closing of the comment period. The Department subsequently held public informational hearings on the filings on July 8, 2008 (Pittsburgh), July 10, 2008 (Harrisburg) and July 15 and 16 (Philadelphia). At the conclusion of the public information hearings, the Department announced that it was considering closing the public comment period at the end of August.

   To maximize public input, the Department intends to extend the public comment period for an additional month and close the public comment period on September 30. This affords the public more than 60 days after the close of the public hearings to consider all issues presented at the hearings, as well as the applicants' responses to the public comments made at the hearings and other information posted to the Department's web site www.ins.state.pa.us after the hearings.

   Persons wishing to comment on the grounds of public or private interest are invited to submit a written statement to the Department on or before September 30, 2008. Each written statement must include the name, address and telephone number of the interested party, identification of the application to which the statement is addressed, and a concise statement with sufficient detail and relevant facts to inform the Department of the exact basis of the statement. Written statements should be directed to Robert Brackbill, Chief, Company Licensing Division, Insurance Department, 1345 Strawberry Square, Harrisburg, PA 17120, fax [phone], rbrackbill@state. pa.us. Be advised that all comments received will be part of the public record regarding this filing.

JOEL SCOTT ARIO,   
Insurance Commissioner

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 08-1612. Filed for public inspection August 29, 2008, 9:00 a.m.]