Letter: United, Sierra Health committed to Nevadans

Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007 | 7:17 a.m.

Regarding the Las Vegas Sun's Aug. 30 editorial "Insurance worries":

Like the nearly 3,000 local employees of Sierra Health Services and UnitedHealth Group, I was disappointed to read your editorial on the Nevada Insurance Division approving the merger between these two companies.

We look forward to meeting the many conditions the commissioner included in her order. In fact, we volunteered to comply with all these conditions because they put in writing what we have committed to do all along.

These commitments include maintaining Sierra Health's local operations in Las Vegas and keeping this transaction from affecting the premiums our members pay or the health benefits they receive. We will not pass on any costs related to this transaction to local consumers, providers or others.

We look forward to expanding upon Sierra Health's legacy as a leading corporate citizen, including its strong history of local philanthropy and community contributions.

This transaction won't hinder competition in Nevada, where growth drives demand and dozens of companies compete with us. Customers bid for insurance products and switch plans and carriers often, keeping prices competitive.

Far from the "virtual monopoly" you claim, United and Sierra Health account for 28 percent of commercial health insurance sold in Nevada. In Las Vegas, our combined share will be about 35 percent.

Paul Davis, Las Vegas

The writer is chief executive of UnitedHealthcare of Nevada