Most recently, a coalition of Democratic Connecticut senators wrote a letter to the Department of Justice, asking it to block the merger. Among the group was Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who claimed that after meeting with Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini and Cigna CEO David Cordani, he’s not convinced the mergers are necessary.
“I think it’s fair to say, without telling you [exactly] what they said, none of the chief executives who met with me said, in effect, ‘We need this merger in a struggle to stay alive,'” Sen. Blumenthal said, according to the report.
Calling the merger “the highest priority,” Anthem is still holding on to hope that the deal will go through.
“Anthem and Cigna are not in discussions regarding a termination of the merger agreement or the payment of a break-up fee,” said Anthem spokeswoman Jill Belcher. “Anthem continues to be in ongoing dialogue with the Department of Justice and state regulators regarding the compelling combination of our two companies to increase consumer access to high-quality, affordable healthcare.”
More articles on payer issues:
States strengthen privacy laws for young adults on parents’ health plans
In Kansas, free Reno County Medicare assistant program could end
Illinois insurance regulator OKs $34 billion Aetna-Humana deal
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.