US: AMA calls on DOJ to block proposed health insurer mergers

On Wednesday, the American Medical Association called on antitrust regulators to block proposed mergers between Anthem and Cigna, as well as Aetna and Humana, The Hill reports.

In July, Anthem announced that it agreed to acquire Cigna for $48.4 billion. The combined company would have about 53 million customers, which would make it the nation’s largest insurer in terms of enrollment.

Also in July, Aetna announced it reached a $37 billion deal to purchase Humana, which could make Aetna the nation’s second-largest insurer. Shareholders from Aetna and Humana approved the deal last month.

Federal regulators must approve the proposals, and antitrust experts say the Department of Justice and state attorneys general are likely to scrutinize them closely. DOJ will review the proposals over the next year or longer.

Full content: Becker’s Hospital Review

Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.