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.
Humana
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, Politics
Anthem’s pursuit of Cigna still in play, but faces huge hurdles
WASHINGTON — Anthem’s effort to merge with Cigna, which seemed to end with a huge thud when a federal court ruled the $54 billion deal is anti-competitive, may have been given new life – but the odds are long and Connecticut could stand in the way.
Posted inHealth, Justice, Politics
Anthem sues to stop Cigna from ending merger attempt
WASHINGTON — The messy divorce between Anthem and Cigna took another turn Wednesday in a Delaware court that will be the scene of further expensive legal battling over the insurers’ merger attempt.
Posted inHealth, Politics
Cigna sues to end merger deal, seeks $15 billion from Anthem
WASHINGTON — The tumultuous relationship between proposed merger partners Anthem and Cigna continued Tuesday as Cigna called for an end to the deal and demanded about $15 billion from Anthem – which said it is “committed to closing the transaction.”
Posted inHealth, Politics
Aetna ends bid to acquire Humana
WASHINGTON — After a federal judge blocked the deal last month, Aetna on Tuesday announced it would no longer pursue a $37 billion merger with Humana. U.S. District Judge John Bates ruled last month that a merger of the health insurers would result in a lack of competition in the Medicare Advantage market.
Posted inHealth, Justice
Anthem will appeal judge’s decision to block merger with Cigna
WASHINGTON — Anthem said Thursday it will appeal a federal court’s decision to block the health insurer’s planned merger with Cigna. The decision to appeal came quickly on the heels of U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson’s ruling late Wednesday that the $54 billion merger would reduce competition in dozens of insurance markets across the nation.
Posted inHealth, Politics
Federal judge rejects Anthem-Cigna merger
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Justice Department won a second big health insurer antitrust case late Wednesday when a federal judge blocked a proposed merger between Anthem and Cigna. The Justice Department said the merger would stiffle competition, resulting in higher premiums and poorer medical care.
Posted inHealth, Politics
Aetna’s Bertolini: ACA has not met its goals
WASHINGTON — Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini said the insurer isn’t likely to expand its participation in state exchanges in 2018. Bertolini said he is working with the Trump administration on a transition to an ACA replacement.
Posted inHealth
Aetna, Humana still weighing appeal of ruling blocking merger
WASHINGTON — The day after a federal judge dealt a crusing blow to Aetna’s plans to merge with Humana, the insurance companies’ CEOs said they were still mulling over whether to appeal the decision.
Posted inHealth, Politics
Judge blocks Aetna-Humana merger
Updated at 4:35 p.m.
WASHINGTON — A federal judge on Monday rejected a proposed merger between Aetna and Humana, saying the $37 billion deal would “be likely to substantially lessen competition” in the Medicare Advantage market. Aetna is considering an appeal.
Posted inHealth
Aetna-Humana antitrust trial wraps up before questioning judge
WASHINGTON — The antitrust trial over a proposed merger between Aetna and Humana wrapped up Wednesday, with U.S. District Court Judge John Bates asking probing questions of both Justice Department lawyers seeking to block the deal and attorneys for the insurers defending their plan.
Posted inHealth, Justice
Cigna distances itself from Anthem at key point in merger trial
WASHINGTON — Hostilities between proposed merger partners Anthem and Cigna were on full display Tuesday at a key point of a U.S. antitrust trial over the deal. Cigna attorney Rick Rule said the company did not sign a key closing document because it did not agree with Anthem’s characterizations of the testimony of certain Cigna witnesses.
Posted inHealth, Justice
DOJ says Aetna left ACA marketplaces in reaction to merger suit
Updated at 6:35 p.m.
WASHINGTON — Justice Department attorneys on Monday continued to try to undercut arguments by Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini that his company’s Medicare Advantage program competes with government-run Medicare.
Posted inHealth, Justice
Aetna, Humana defend merger plans in court
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.