The healthcare industry is in a period of rapid consolidation, with major mergers and acquisitions happening year to year. This consolidation is leading to high concentration levels in 73 percent of health insurance markets, according to a recent study from the American Medical Association.

The ongoing merger between CVS Health and Aetna officially closed Nov. 28, the companies announced. The $69 billion deal brings together one of the nation’s largest health insurers and retail pharmacy chains and pharmacy benefit managers.

The completion of the $67 billion merger between health insurer Cigna and Express Scripts has been delayed, according to a public filing. The deal was anticipated to close by December 8, but the companies have decided to delay that deadline by six months.

In another sign that the cost of healthcare is too high, one hospital system based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, denied a heart transplant to a woman and recommended she try to raise $10,000.

CMS proposed several new policies for 2020 that aim to lower prescription drug prices by revising how Medicare plans can cover medicines and negotiate prices.

CVS Health received the final approval for its $69 billion merger with the nation’s third-largest health insurance provider, Aetna, on Nov. 26. CVS expects the deal to close Nov. 28, according to a new public filing.

After a federal judge blocked Kentucky’s Medicaid work requirements from going into effect earlier this year, CMS reapproved the program on Nov. 20.

Health insurers are using new methods to monitor consumers enrolled in their plans, as one person discovered when his sleep habits unknowingly played a role in the benefits he received from his provider, ProPublica reported.