American Medical Association News and In-Depth Reporting

AMA ‘alarmed’ political influence could sway DOJ on Anthem-Cigna merger

by Ana Radelat March 1, 2017 @ 3:37 pmMarch 4, 2022 @ 11:10 pm

Updated at 6:25 p.m.
WASHINGTON — The American Medical Association, says it is “alarmed” Anthem may be taking advantage of changes in leadership in the Justice Department that would “bend antitrust laws” and result in a settlement of the federal case that has blocked its merger with Cigna.

Health, Justice

Aetna, Humana defend merger plans in court

by Ana Radelat December 5, 2016 @ 1:45 pmMarch 4, 2022 @ 11:00 pm

Updated at 4:57 p.m.
WASHINGTON — Opening salvos were fired Monday in the antitrust case against the proposed merger of Aetna and Humana, with Justice Department attorneys arguing the tie-up would mean sharp price hikes for Medicare Advantage plans and a disintegration of choice for people purchasing insurance on Affordable Care Act exchanges.

Health

Trial begins in U.S. antitrust battle against Anthem, Cigna

by Ana Radelat November 21, 2016 @ 8:28 pmMarch 4, 2022 @ 11:02 pm

WASHINGTON — Anthem, Cigna and the U.S. Justice Department on Monday tried to sway a federal judge with widely differing views on the impact a proposed merger of the insurers would have on the U.S. health care market.

Health, Politics

AMA says Anthem-Cigna deal would shrink insurer choices in CT

by Ana Radelat September 21, 2016 @ 8:01 amMarch 4, 2022 @ 11:02 pm

WASHINGTON — The American Medical Association, strongly opposed to the merger of Anthem and Cigna, said the deal would greatly limit competition in Connecticut and nine other states, leading to premium increases and fewer choices of doctors and hospitals for the state’s patients.

Health, Politics

Aetna-Humana, Anthem-Cigna facing different merger obstacles

by Ana Radelat June 22, 2016 @ 5:00 amMarch 4, 2022 @ 10:52 pm

WASHINGTON – So far, Aetna appears to be clearing the regulatory and antitrust hurdles it faces to merge with Humana more easily, while Anthem’s proposed marriage to Cigna has faced more troubles. Neither has yet cleared the hurdle of antitrust approval from the U.S. Justice Department.

Health

AMA asks Justice Department to block Aetna-Humana, Anthem-Cigna mergers

by Ana Radelat November 12, 2015 @ 6:01 pmMarch 4, 2022 @ 10:46 pm

WASHINGTON – Saying it would end competition in key markets and erode patient care, the American Medical Association has asked the Justice Department to quash the proposed mergers between insurance giants Aetna and Humana and Anthem and Cigna.

Health, Politics

Congress scrutinizes Aetna-Humana and Anthem-Cigna deals

by Ana Radelat September 10, 2015 @ 3:28 pmMarch 4, 2022 @ 10:42 pm

WASHINGTON– Congressional Republicans are blaming a wave of mergers and other types of consolidation by hospitals, pharmaceuticals and insurers, on the Affordable Care Act. That new interest in consolidation on the health care field is bringing unwanted political attention to the proposed Aetna-Humana and Anthem-Cigna mergers.

Politics

Aetna-Humana, Anthem-Cigna mergers spark D.C. lobbying war

by Ana Radelat August 31, 2015 @ 5:30 amMarch 4, 2022 @ 10:41 pm

WASHINGTON — With high stakes in play, Aetna, Inc. has hired four high-powered Washington lobbying firms to help the company win federal approval of a merger with Humana. Cigna followed by hiring three D.C. lobbying firms this week to press its case to merge with Anthem.

Health, Money

Medical fraud in CT costs feds millions of dollars

by Ana Radelat April 15, 2014 @ 11:30 amMarch 4, 2022 @ 10:21 pm

Washington – Reporters and lawyers have become the latest front in Washington’s war against medical fraud that in some way is unwinnable, even as it has resulted in the prosecution of Connecticut doctors and drug companies.