Trial begins in Anthem-Cigna merger

Court proceedings got underway today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in Anthem’s bid to acquire Cigna. Judge Amy Berman Jackson is expected to rule in the case before the end of the year. The Department of Justice filed suit July 21 to block the acquisition, along with Aetna’s proposed acquisition of Humana, saying it would be harmful for consumers. The Aetna-Humana trial will begin Dec. 5 and is expected to be completed by mid-January. The deals, if allowed to proceed, would create three major national insurers where there are now five. AHA has vigorously urged DOJ to challenge both deals on the grounds that they would reduce competition and harm consumers and hospitals.