Consumer groups, hospitals alert FL regulators to insurance consolidation concerns

National and state consumer groups and unions today raised concerns about the proposed Anthem-Cigna and Aetna-Humana mergers and health insurance consolidation in general. “Our organizations are troubled by the consolidation within the health industry and its impact on price, access and quality of care,” the nine organizations said in comments submitted to Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty. “Mergers between four of the five dominant insurers could further eliminate competition within the state of Florida. While the merging companies have argued supposed benefits associated with these mergers, available scholarly evidence suggests that consumers will see limited to no benefits and instead will face higher costs, less innovation, and potentially lower quality of care.” The Florida Hospital Association also submitted comments to the commissioner. The comments are likely to be posted soon at www.floir.com.