AMA analyses support blocking the Anthem-Cigna, Aetna-Humana mergers

New data presented today show the nation needs more competition in health insurance markets, and supports antitrust efforts to block unprecedented mergers among four of the nation's biggest health insurance companies. Left unopposed, Anthem's acquisition of Cigna and Aetna's takeover of Humana would collectively quash competition in insurance markets across 24 states according to newly updated market analyses released by the American Medical Association (AMA).

"The AMA analyses show that Anthem-Cigna and Aetna-Humana mergers would significantly compromise market competition in the health insurance industry and threaten health care access, quality and affordability," said AMA President Andrew W. Gurman, M.D. "With existing competition in health insurance markets already at alarmingly low levels, federal and state antitrust officials have powerful reasons to block harmful mergers and foster a more competitive marketplace that will operate in patients' best interests."