Mergers & Acquisitions
The two transactions could see formal antitrust approval within a few weeks, a report said.
The percentage of physician practices now owned by hospitals increased from 26 percent in 2010 to 38 percent in 2016.
WellCare said in May that it would have the top Medicaid membership market share in Michigan and Illinois, increasing its leading market position from four to six states.
The deal is pending evaluation by the North Carolina Attorney General on the potential effect the transaction could have on market competition, plus other factors.
Cigna said they believe the merger will close by year-end 2018, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
Hospitals, on average, save about 1.5 percent per year on common expenses in the supply chain, far lower than most pre-merger estimates.
Estimates from the two health systems counter those from the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission, which said the merger would increase annual spending.
Insurer is investing in at-home and hospice organizations and is focusing on senior primary care through Walgreens partnership.
Investor Carl Icahn says he will vote against $54 billion PBM acquisition as being too high a price.
The merger would increase market concentration in the PBM space and put other insurers at a competitive disadvantage, Dave Jones says.