Proposed top salaries for Blues merger released

Ten top executives at Highmark and Independence Blue Cross stand to earn 28 percent, or $4.2 million, more if the proposed merger of the two nonprofit health insurers is approved.

Kenneth Melani, the chief executive of Highmark, who is expected to have the same job at the combined companies, would get a 31 percent raise, to $3.9 million from $2.97 million in total pay, according documents filed with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department.

Independence Blue Cross' CEO, Joseph Frick, who is slated for the role of chief operating office after the merger, would earn $2.94 million, the same as his current pay.

State insurance regulators last summer demanded detailed information on how much top executives would be paid if they allowed the merger, which would create a $22.5 billion insurance giant, to go through.

Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario said that, after the state held several public hearings, he had the goal of reaching a decision by Dec. 31.