Highmark commits to making financial contribution to Pittsburgh when other large non-profits agree

PITTSBURGH — A Pittsburgh-based health insurer has again committed to making a financial contribution to the city.

Highmark made this written commitment to Mayor Ed Gainey, but their contribution will only happen if all of the city’s large Purely Public Charities agree — which has been the repeated stance from the company. This statement comes after conversations between the Gainey Administration and the ‘Big 4′ nonprofits, Highmark, UPMC, Pitt and CMU.

Highmark’s full statement reads:

“Highmark’s commitment to the city of Pittsburgh is multifaceted and deeply rooted. It’s not just about our headquarters being located here; it’s a demonstrable commitment through substantial investments in building healthier communities, encompassing an array of initiatives.

As we have said in the past, Highmark is prepared to meet to discuss financial contributions to the city of Pittsburgh, if the large nonprofits – including UPMC – are part of the meeting. Highmark is ready to make a financial commitment as soon as all of the large nonprofits participate in a financial contribution that is proportional, within the city, to its status as a purely public charity.”

Gainey’s office says proportionality has been a core negotiating position with the nonprofits, since the size and value of their holidays and payrolls vary “substantially.” His administration has proposed an agreement to “structure to the institutions in which they would make a payment corresponding to the size of their presence within the City.”

“Since day one of my Administration, Highmark has been open and committed to improving the lives of Pittsburghers,” said Mayor Gainey. “I’m proud of the strong working relationship we’ve been able to build, and grateful to them for going first among the ‘Big 4′ in making a public commitment to paying their fair share.”

Efforts to get nonprofits to contribute to the city began in 2023 when Gainey challenged the tax-exempt status of more than 100 properties that he believed were not purely public charities under state guidelines. At one point, Gainey asked Gov. Josh Shapiro to intervene in talks with UMPC about its tax-exempt status.

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