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 Cigna plans in 21 states. The decision casts doubt over a similar deal, as Anthem aims to close a $54bn purchase of Medicare Advantage. Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal said the ruling was a "decisive victory for jobs, consumers, 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".