By snapping up competitor Coventry Health Care, Aetna became the latest insurer to consolidate costs — and coverage — in response to the nation’s health care reform. It’s a trend experts say will likely accelerate in coming months, and one that could have far-reaching impact on consumers and investors.
Announced Monday, the Aetna deal is the third acquisition by a large insurer over the past year: WellPoint said in July that it would buy Amerigroup, and last October, Cigna agreed to buy HealthSpring. But analysts and investors say this is only the first wave. “I think it will be more of a trend going forward,†Lou Stanasolovich, president of Legend Financial Advisors in Pittsburgh, says of the acquisitions. “It changes the playing ground a little bit.â€
For large insurers, the mergers are a way to grow membership and lower costs — which could be a boon for investors. For consumers, there will likely be fewer health care providers to choose from, but experts say that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Here is a look at how consolidation of the health insurance industry could impact you.
