Here are five things to know:
1. The urge to merge among insurers has never been stronger, with Hartford, Conn.-based Aetna entering into a definitive agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of Louisville, Ky.-based Humana in a deal valued at $37 billion just this week.
2. GOP members are blaming the PPACA for encouraging mergers and thereby reducing competition and increasing profits for insurance companies.
3. According to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, the new regulations put in place by the PPACA make it difficult for smaller companies to survive.
4. Consolidation also increases the risk of smaller companies losing leverage in the market.
5. Additionally, consolidation also reduces choices for patients.
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