Deal With Anthem May Close In 2017, Cigna Says
Initially, Cigna's acquisition by Anthem was expected to close in 2016 but it may take longer due to regulatory intricacies.
Reuters:
Cigna Says Anthem Deal Could Close In 2017; Anthem Sticks To 2016
Health insurer Cigna Corp, which announced plans to be bought by larger Anthem Inc 10 months ago, on Friday said the deal may close in 2017 rather than 2016 due to the complexity of the regulatory process, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The U.S. Department of Justice is currently reviewing the Cigna-Anthem deal, which would create the nation's largest health insurer, offering Medicare, Medicaid and commercial health insurance. (Humer, 5/6)
Bloomberg:
Cigna Says Acquisition By Anthem May Not Happen This Year
Cigna Corp.’s acquisition by health-insurance rival Anthem Inc. may not be approved this year, Cigna said Friday in a regulatory filing. Shares of both companies declined. An analyst said the delay could be a sign of trouble for the deal, which is one of two pending health-insurance combinations being scrutinized by regulators who have expressed concern about further concentration of the health-care industry. (Tracer, 5/8)
In other news —
The Chicago Tribune:
United Offers Employees Cheaper Hip, Knee Replacements If They Travel To Chicago's Rush
Some people travel long distances to get cheaper medical treatment. United Airlines is testing whether employees will do the same. The airline is encouraging workers across the country and their families to go to Rush University Medical Center in Chicago for hip and knee replacements as well as spinal fusion surgeries. To entice them, United is offering a generous benefit: The expenses for physician visits and the surgery are fully covered by United after employees meet the annual deductible on their insurance policies. (Sachdev, 5/7)
The Arizona Republic:
Survey: Insurance Shortchanging Doctors, Patients
Four out of five emergency-room doctors who responded to an American College of Emergency Physicians survey believe that privately insured patients have skipped needed medical care because of concerns about out-of-pocket costs. (Alltucker, 5/8)
