Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Quarrels Between Anthem, Cigna Officials Complicate Merger Plans
The Wall Street Journal: Anthem, Cigna Privately Bicker As They Seek Merger Approval
Quarrels have broken out behind the scenes of Anthem Inc.’s $48 billion proposed acquisition of Cigna Corp. as the health insurers seek regulatory approval for their landmark deal, according to a series of letters reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. People on both sides say the squabbles could delay or derail antitrust approvals, which are typically harder to obtain if both parties aren’t in sync. While neither company has sought to terminate the merger, the people say—and it doesn’t appear in danger of imminent collapse—Anthem and Cigna are bickering on several fronts. (Hoffman and Wilde Mathews, 5/22)
The (Minneapolis) Star Tribune: UnitedHealth Group Has Shown Outsized Growth In A Supersized Sector
There’s a lot of money in health care, and it shows in the growth at UnitedHealth Group. In 1992, when the Star Tribune published its first list of the largest publicly traded firms in Minnesota, the roster included 100 companies that collectively generated $102.4 billion in sales. Last year, UnitedHealth Group handily beat the tally on its own, with $157.1 billion in revenue. (Snowbeck, 5/21)
