After receiving approval from the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, Highmark Inc. officials on Monday said the merger with Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania is complete, with the merged company operating as Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

The merger brings into the Highmark fold nearly 550,000 covered individuals in 13 counties in northeastern Pennsylvania.In a release, Highmark officials said benefits will not change for BCNEPA members but "over time, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield will use its resources, tools and advanced technologies to enhance the products and services offered to members."Highmark Health Plan President Deborah Rice-Johnson called the merger "a natural progression of the successful business relationship that Highmark and BCNEPA have maintained for decades."Highmark says it will "maintain operations and substantial staffing levels in the region" under the merger agreement and will create a local advisory board that will include former BCNEPA board members.