The AMA and some Consumer groups believe insurer consolidation gives larger insurers (Anthem-Cigna) “anticompetitive market power” which would negatively affect providers and patients.  They believe a merger such as the Anthem Cigna Merger will create a new “insurance behemoth” which will drive costs up and lead to lower quality healthcare. According to Henry Allen, the AMA’s top antitrust attorney, “The diminished competition leading to higher prices will also lead to lower plan quality”.  With very little competition, what incentive would the new insurer have to pass savings along to the consumers?  Others believe various aspect of a larger insurer would drive costs down.  Read On

Published by:  Modern Healthcare:  Erica Teichert  September 8, 2016