AHA implores feds to put Anthem-Cigna through the wringer
The American Hospital Association (AHA) is urging the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to take a hard look at Anthem’s planned $48.4 billion purchase of Cigna.
In an analysis sent Aug. 5 to William Baer, assistant attorney general in DOJ’s antitrust division, the AHA claims that the deal presents a material risk of substantially reducing competition, violating Section 7 of the Clayton Act.
“The potential harm to consumers from this loss of competition is large and durable,” states the analysis, which is introduced by a cover letter from Melinda Reid Hatton, AHA’s senior vice president and general counsel.
“Because the two companies generate more than $100 billion in combined revenues,” adds AHA, “even a modest price increase would cost consumers billions of dollars in higher health care costs.”
Click here to read the letter/analysis.
Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.