Massive health insurance mergers may undergo greater scrutiny in California

January 14, 2016January 13, 2016 Julie Campbell

Consumer advocates are trying to convince regulators in that state and several others to scrutinize these deals. California is rapidly turning into the center of the controversy over the massive mergers that are going on in the health insurance industry as one company swallows up the next, shrinking the competition. Consumer advocates have been asking for greater scrutiny of this trend on over a dozen states across the U.S. In California and about twelve other key states, consumer advocates have been asking regulators to take a closer look at the…

New coalition takes aims at health insurance mergers in the US

November 18, 2015November 17, 2015 S.Vagus

Consumer groups form coalition to target mergers of health insurance providers Two consumer advocacy groups in the United States have formed a new coalition in order to create pressure of antitrust regulators concerning the merger of large insurance providers. These mergers would cut the number of for-profit health insurance companies from five to three, which may have a dramatic impact on consumers in terms of insurance options and costs. The coalition may be able to shed more light on the potential impact that mergers will have, encouraging state regulators to…

Health insurance deal may have an impact on mental health care

September 30, 2015September 29, 2015 Marc

American Psychiatric Association raises concerns about Anthem deal The American Psychiatric Association has warned government regulators that proposed health insurance mergers could have a major, negative impact on the availability of mental health care services. Anthem Inc. is looking to acquire Cigna Corp. through a $47 billion deal. The deal would make Anthem the largest health insurance provider in the United States, but the company also has plans to acquire Humana Inc., which would also make it the largest provider of Medicare plans in the country. Organizations warn regulators of…