Unlike some other governors, Ned Lamont can’t order insurance companies to cover coronavirus testing. But many have said they will.
Aetna
Posted inHealth
Federal judge cast cloud over CVS-Aetna merger
U.S. District Court Judge Richard Leon questioned whether Aetna’s divestiture of its Medicare Part D business was sufficient and has scheduled another round of hearings.
Posted inPolitics
CT health insurers stocks slide on Medicare-for-All fears
Despite long odds Medicare-for-All will ever become law, investors are nervous.
Posted inHealth
CVS says purchase of Aetna is done deal
CVS announced the completion of its purchase of Aetna on Wednesday, promising the new combined company would lead to “improved health outcomes and lower medical costs.”
Posted inPolitics
Ahead of midterms, some CT companies offer time off to vote
In this contentious mid-term election, corporations are stepping up their civic responsibility and offering employees time off to vote. Norwalk-based Diageo North America is part of the trend. Meanwhile, Connecticut is among a minority of states that don’t mandate an Election Day time-off policy for workers.
Posted inHealth
Connecticut Insurance Department approves CVS-Aetna merger
The Connecticut Insurance Department has approved CVS Health Corp’s $69 billion merger with Hartford-based Aetna Inc.
The approval is contingent on Aetna completing the sale of its standalone Medicare Part D prescription plan business.
Posted inHealth
Justice Department approves CVS-Aetna merger, with conditions
WASHINGTON –The Justice Department on Wednesday cleared CVS Health Corp.’s planned $69 billion merger with Aetna Inc. after the companies agreed to divest a Medicare prescription drug plan sold by the Hartford-based health insurer. Consumer groups, however, continue to oppose the deal.
Posted inHealth
CVS, Aetna urge Connecticut regulators to approve proposed acquisition
The Connecticut Insurance Department now has 30 days to decide whether to approve CVS Health Corp.’s acquisition of Hartford-based Aetna Inc. – a merger the companies say will drive down health care costs and opponents portray as anti-competitive and harmful to patients.
Posted inPolitics
CT lobbies Washington on taxes, riverboats and radio towers
WASHINGTON — While President Donald Trump promised to “drain the swamp,” the lobbying business is thriving, with Connecticut-based companies, non-profits, cities and universities spending a total of about $50 million to influence Congress and the new administration last year.
Posted inHealth, Politics
Attacked by Trump, insurers tout economic impact in CT, other states
WASHINGTON — Under attack from President Donald Trump, the nation’s insurers hit back Monday with a report aimed at showing the industry’s impact on the U.S. economy and the economies of every state, including Connecticut, where it said health insurers are a $1.15 billion business.
Posted inHealth
Wade may be fined for withholding records on Aetna-Humana merger
In a proposed ruling, a Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission hearing officer has determined the Insurance Department failed to prove the records were exempt from disclosure and has recommended a rare civil fine against Commissioner Katharine Wade. The commission is scheduled to consider the case June 28.
Posted inMoney
Aetna CEO: HQ move to have ‘minimal impact’ on most Hartford employees
Aetna’s chairman and chief executive, Mark Bertolini, told his employees Friday that designating another city as the company’s headquarters would have a “minimal impact” on the “vast majority” of employees in Hartford.
Posted inHealth, Money, Politics
Malloy’s talks with Aetna were one-sided and futile
With flattery and an effort at common ground, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy wrote to Aetna’s chairman, Mark Bertolini, in March, requesting a meeting about how to keep one of the nation’s largest health insurers in Hartford. Malloy acknowledged Wednesday he never got his meeting with Bertolini, just subordinates who never articulated what changes Aetna desired to see in the only corporate home since its founding in 1853.
Posted inHealth, Politics
Anthem not giving up on Cigna merger, is appealing to Supreme Court
Updated at 2 p.m.
WASHINGTON — Anthem’s $54 billion merger deal with Cigna is considered to be on life support after a federal appeals court ruled last week it violated antitrust law. But on Friday, Anthem said it is appealing that decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Posted inHealth
Appeals court blocks Anthem-Cigna merger
WASHINGTON – A federal appeals court on Friday agreed with a lower court that Anthem’s proposed $54 billion merger with Cigna would be anti-competitive and should not be allowed, but Anthem said it plans to continue pursuing the deal.