The US Justice alliance has blocked health insurer Aetna 's proposed $ 34bn acquisition of Humana , as Judge John Bates believes the deal would " substantially lessen competition " over the sale of Medicare Advantage products in 21 states . The decision casts doubt over a similar deal , as Anthem aims to close a $ 54bn purchase of healthcare . Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal said the ruling was a " decisive victory for jobs , healthcare , and healthcare " .
The US Justice Department has blocked health insurer Aetna's proposed $34bn acquisition of Humana, as Judge John Bates said the deal would "substantially lessen competition" over the sale of Medicare Advantage plans in 21 states. The decision casts doubt over a similar deal, as Anthem aims to close a $54bn purchase of Cigna. Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal said the ruling was a "decisive victory for jobs, consumers, and healthcare".