Indianapolis-based Anthem filed a reply in its antitrust case March, 20, 2017, saying its value-based contracts with providers could better drive down spending, compared to Bloomfield, Conn.-based Cigna's value-based contracts, The Hartford Courant reports.
Here's what you should know.
1. Anthem argued in the original case that the merger would lower healthcare spending by $2.4 billion. In a ruling against the merger, a judge said the savings were speculative, and would hurt providers if implemented.
2. In its recent filing, Anthem claimed it is "already more successful at lowering utilization than Cigna."
3. Anthem argued in its trial testimony the merger wouldn't result in providers working less because of lower reimbursement rates, and therefore it would not violate antitrust laws.
4. Anthem needs a decision in its appeal case by April 30, 2017. Cigna can withdraw from the deal anytime past that date.