In a June 8th article by Bob Herman, Modern Healthcare, he discusses how Aetna is downplaying the timing of its $13 billion debt offering for the Humana acquisition (Aetna Downplays Humana Acquisition).  Many are concerned about the Aetna / Humana merge and the potential Anthem / Cigna merge as this would narrow competition to the “big three” – Aetna, Anthem and UnitedHealth Group.

Aetna Downplays Humana Acquisition

Lynch repeated that mindset and said Aetna has been “very respectful with the Department of Justice in recognizing they have a job to do.” The U.S. Justice Department’s antitrust division has the final say on the merger.
However, last month, Missouri state insurance officials said the Aetna-Humana marriage was anti-competitive and told the two companies they have 30 days to remedy the situation, likely hinting at divestitures. Aetna and Humana have large overlaps in Missouri’s Medicare Advantage market. Experts anticipate the Justice Department will also require Aetna to sell off some health plan assets.

Read more at Modern Healthcare