AMA urges DOJ to block proposed insurance mergers

The American Medical Association today urged the Department of Justice to block Aetna’s proposed acquisition of Humana and Anthem’s proposed acquisition of Cigna. “Our analyses of the proposed health insurance mergers reveal significant concerns with respect to the impact on consumers in terms of health care access, quality and affordability,” the AMA said in comments submitted to the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. “…. Accordingly, the AMA respectfully urges DOJ to block the mergers in order to protect consumers from premium increases, lower plan quality, and a reduction in the quantity and quality of physician services.” In a Sept. 1 letter to the Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services, the AHA said Aetna’s proposed acquisition of Humana and Anthem’s proposed acquisition of Cigna “have the very real potential to reduce competition substantially, increase the cost of premiums,” and make insurers less likely to collaborate with providers and others on building a continuum of care to meet consumer needs. The AHA also wrote to the DOJ’s Antitrust Division on Aug. 5 about the proposed Anthem-Cigna deal.