On Feb. 2, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department will conclude the public comment phase on the application of Highmark Inc. to acquire Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Highmark would add an estimated 550,000 Blue Cross of NEPA members from across the Blue Cross plan's current 13-county service area.During the past 10 months, the department has reviewed the filing based on specific legal standards that address licensure, solvency, business plans and management, as well as its impact on competition and consumers.The proposal, the consultants' reports, related information and the taped hearing video are available at

www.insurance.pa.gov by clicking on the "Blue Cross/Blue Shield Plans" icon.To comment on the filing submit a written statement on or before Feb. 2.Commenters should include their name, address and telephone number on their statement and submit it to: Cressinda Bybee, senior insurance company licensing specialist, Company Licensing Division, Insurance Department, 1345 Strawberry Square, Harrisburg, PA 17120.Email at cbybeepa.gov; or via fax at 717-787-8557.