Anthem, Cigna may be forced to release 'hostile' letters over $48B deal — 6 things to know

A court official supported the Department of Justice's request for Anthem and Cigna to release documents that show the companies fighting over their merger agreement, according to Bloomberg.

Here are six things to know:

1. The officials and DOJ claim the documents would show Cigna and Anthem pointing the finger at each other for violating the terms of their merger agreement.

2. However, the payers claim they should not release the documents as they are "privileged communications," Bloomberg reports.

3. The DOJ and court official, special master Richard Levie, argue the letters demonstrate Anthem and Cigna will not improve efficiency through the merger, especially if they are arguing now.

4. Mr. Levie did say, however, the payers should not be forced to reveal every letter. He wrote, "To the extent that the letters alleging breach reflect hostility between these individuals, such hostility may hamper these individuals' ability to work together.

5. Anthem and Cigna representatives did not comment to Bloomberg on Mr. Levie's recommendation.

6. The case is slated to go to trial in November.

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