DOJ dismisses Anthem request for speedy trial

The U.S. Department of Justice denied Anthem's request for an expedited trial regarding the department's challenge to block the insurer's $54 billion acquisition of Cigna, Bloomberg reported.

The Indianapolis-based insurer requested the DOJ schedule the trial in 87 days and reach a decision 35 days after its conclusion, citing an example from a coal company lawsuit in a request sent to the department Monday.

DOJ lawyers determined Thursday the Anthem-Cigna lawsuit is much more complex, as it "challenges the largest merger ever proposed in the healthcare industry."

Anthem is the first insurer to respond to the DOJ after the department sued to block the Anthem-Cigna deal and a $37 billion deal between Hartford, Conn.-based Aetna and Louisville, Ky.-based Humana last week. In addition to its request for a quick trial, the insurer called out the DOJ in a full-page ad in The Washington Post Tuesday

More articles about payer issues:
Anthem to DOJ: Cigna merger will boost insurance market
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Insurers, consumers debate up to 48% rate increases in Pennsylvania

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