Indianapolis-based Anthem asked the U.S. Department of Justice Tuesday to disconnect is case from a jointly filed lawsuit against Aetna and Humana, Reuters reported.
Anthem argued the two cases should be tried separately because the government is challenging Anthem and Bloomfield, Conn.-based Cigna over their commercial insurance plans, while it is challenging Hartford, Conn.-based Aetna and Louisville, Ky.-based Humana over their Medicare Advantage plans.
"There are no material efficiencies to be gained — and likely only confusion — from conducting the proceedings jointly," Anthem said in its filing.
The DOJ filed two lawsuits July 21 — one against Anthem and Cigna and another against Aetna and Humana — to block their multibillion transactions on grounds the deals are anticompetitive.
Judge John Bates of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia will rule on Anthem's case.
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