Opinion ID: 179967
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Effects of the Conspiracy

Text: The conspiracy ended in 2007, when the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice began investigating Highmark's and UPMC's relationship. During the years covered by the conspiracy, UPMC and Highmark reaped record profits. UPMC's net income rose from $23 million in 2002 to over $618 million in 2007, and Highmark's net income rose from $50 million in 2001 to $398 million in 2006. UPMC's increased revenue came largely from the sweetheart reimbursements it received from Highmark, and Highmark increased its earnings by raising premiums. [5] On the other hand, West Penn struggled during the years covered by the conspiracy. It was forced to scale back its services, and to abandon projects to expand and improve its services and facilities. In essence, West Penn was unable to compete with UPMC as vigorously as it otherwise would have.