Highmark and UPMC announced yesterday that a deal they had both agreed to in principle has been finalized.  The deal, which was announced in early May, gives Highmark customers access to UPMC physicians and facilities through December 31, 2014.

  After that date, Highmark customers will still have accused to the Western Psychiatric Institute, UPMC Bedford and UPMC Venango hospitals, as well as some oncology services. 

The agreement will need to be approved by the state Insurance Department and the state’s Department of Health. 

Highmark’s existing contracts with other UPMC hospitals, including Children’s Hospital and UPMC Mercy, are not affected.