The Jefferson Health insurance fight got a new development this week — and a new deadline that matters more than the one everyone is watching.
Pennsylvania’s insurance department announced it will invoke Act 94, a 1975 consumer protection law, if Independence Blue Cross and Highmark don’t reach new contracts with Jefferson Health by December 31. The law gives the state power to freeze a termination for up to six months and force the parties into a formal process. It has only been used twice in its entire history. — Pennsylvania Insurance Department (Philadelphia Inquirer, November 6, 2026)
That is significant. But it is not the most urgent deadline for patients.
December 7 Is the Real Clock
Medicare open enrollment closes December 7 — 24 days before the December 31 contract expiration…