Dive Brief:
- Although the pending Anthem/Cigna merger is now facing significant doubt it can obtain the necessary regulatory aproval to move forward, opponents to the deal have no intention of relaxing their efforts.
- The dozens of consumer and healthcare groups battling the merger plan to continue monitoring and fighting other consolidation efforts in the insurance industry, Forbes reported.
- The groups most notably continue to voice concern about both the Anthem/Cigna deal and the pending Aetna/Humana deal, two potential megamergers which if approved, would substantially alter the industry landscape.
Dive Insight:
While those two possible deals currently dominate the discussion on industry consolidation, opponents note the issue won't stop there.
Even if the Anthem/Cigna deal hits a brick wall as some project, the insurers may go on to consolidate with different partners. Anthem could look to acquire more Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans, which might be more open to joining forces due to the losses on their ACA plans in the past few years, Forbes suggested. Meanwhile, Cigna might look to purchase a smaller player such as Molina, Centene, or WellCare, Bloomberg reported.
Merger opponents are prepared to fight them all, arguing such deals fail to represent the best interests of consumers and that too often they are made without any transparency or input. “The coalition will continue to be vigilant,” attorney David Balto told Forbes.