Aetna — which employs roughly 6,100 in Connecticut — stands as Hartford’s fourth biggest taxpayer and among the state’s top 10 employers, according to the report. Moody’s said combining Aetna and Louisville, Ky.-based Humana would contribute to the long-term trend of decreasing insurance-related jobs in the state.
“Lost jobs would be a particular blow to financially struggling Hartford,” according to the credit agency. The state capital faces a $22.6 million deficit this fiscal year and a more than $50 million budget gap next year, Hartford Courant reports. Moody’s said job losses would up vacancy rates, which would negatively affect the commercial real estate market and the local economy.
More articles on payer issues:
Connecticut health insurance exchange calls for mandatory broker commissions
9 ways ACA repeal could affect employer-sponsored insurance
Audit: Highmark received $96k in overpayments from Pennsylvania county
