Anthem-Cigna merger most likely dead

William Doss | | Health Exec | Economics

The largest healthcare merger ever proposed likely drew its dying breath on Friday, as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit affirmed lower court rulings that blocked the deal on antitrust grounds. While the ruling was appealed in February, the chances of a successful argument were slim, according to policy analysts.

The appeals court ruled the deal would have reduced competition, rejecting Anthem's argument that the merger would proivide savings for health insurance customers. 

"Anthem has not explained why these projected savings would even exist," Judge Judith Rogers wrote. "The record is clear that Anthem, unlike Cigna, has already achieved whatever economies of scale are available."

Further compllicating matters are dueling lawsuits in the wake of the failed merger: both Anthem and Cigna are suing each other. Cigna sought to terminate the merger, while Anthem sought a restrining order to block Cigna from doing just that.

Read more below:

Anthem loses bid to reverse federal blockage of Cigna merger deal

William Doss

As a Senior Writer for TriMed Media Group, Will covers radiology practice improvement, policy, and finance. He lives in Chicago and holds a bachelor’s degree in Life Science Communication and Global Health from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He previously worked as a media specialist for the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. Outside of work you might see him at one of the many live music venues in Chicago or walking his dog Holly around Lakeview.

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