Highmark Inc. is facing its first real competition in the Western Pennsylvania health insurance market.

But the extent to which that competition has resulted in lower costs for employers and lots of new business for four national, for-profit insurance companies has been limited so far, said Elliott Dinkin, CEO of Downtown benefits consulting company Cowden Associates Inc.

"They have their toes in the water, but they're cautious," Dinkin said of the approach to the market by Aetna Inc., Cigna Corp., HealthAmerica and United HealthCare.Read More

An informative and educational seminar addressing the latest collective bargaining topics impacting Pennsylvania employers, including an actual negotiation experience with veteran management and union-side negotiators. Read more

Elliot Dinkin is speaking at the 29th Annual ISCEBS Employee Benefits Symposium, October 4, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Dinkin is presenting on Sales Compensation in a New Era.

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