Many large organizations and politicians have heavily critiqued the pending health insurance company mergers, claiming they will stifle competition and drive up costs for consumers, according to HealthPayer Intelligence.
Here are four thoughts:
1. The Harvard Business Review found health insurance mergers do not have an impact on reducing premiums among beneficiaries, despite many payers claiming the mergers will lower prices for consumers.
2. Research proves greater regional competition within the health insurance industry could improve prescription drug benefits and other health plan options.
3. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said in a public state, the Anthem-Cigna and Aetna-Humana deals could prove detrimental to consumers as the "balance of power is moving too far away from the consumers."
4. The American Medical Association and American Hospital Association starkly oppose the mergers, saying they will interfere with patient care, provider reimbursement and consumer costs.
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