AMA: CVS-Aetna merger should be blocked

SAN FRANCISCO — The American Medical Association (AMA) will today announce that after conducting an exhaustive analysis on the proposed acquisition of Aetna by CVS Heath, the nation’s largest physicians' organization urges regulators to block the merger. The AMA position is based on evidence indicating the merger’s likely anticompetitive effects on Medicare Part D, pharmacy benefit management services, health insurance, retail pharmacy, and specialty pharmacy.

The announcement will be made by AMA President Barbara L. McAneny, M.D., in testimony on the proposed CVS-Aetna deal at a hearing held today by the California Department of Insurance.