OPINION:
On September 8 The Washington Times reported that there are serious concerns surrounding two proposed health-care mergers: one between Aetna and Humana and another between Anthem and Cigna (“Mergers among top insurers could harm patients, top doctors’ group says,” Web). Opponents of the mergers argue that the deals violate antitrust regulations and will have harmful effects on both patients and health-care providers. Proponents argue that the mergers will increase access to health-care services and improve quality of care.
As a graduate student in the field of public health, I view the mergers as anticompetitive moves that will inevitably hurt consumers and benefit the companies. The proposed mergers will significantly limit the choices consumers have when looking for a plan, as the number of major providers will be reduced from five to three. People may not yet realize that the decreased competition between insurers will drive up costs for consumers and simultaneously limit their choices in health-care services.
One thing that could really make a difference is putting pressure on the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice to reject the mergers. If opponents from the general public and organizations such as the American Medical Association come together to speak out against the mergers, hopefully the ruling will be in favor of protecting consumers.
ERICA MADERO
Berkeley, Calif.
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