In 2015, Lee and Klobuchar, the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition, Policy, and Consumer Rights held a hearing to examine the impact of consolidation in the health insurance industry on consumers
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition, Policy, and Consumer Rights, released the following statements on the federal court’s decision to block the proposed merger of Anthem and Cigna. U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson wrote that the merger would increase prices and reduce competition. In 2015, Lee and Klobuchar held a subcommittee hearing to examine the impact of consolidation in the health insurance industry on consumers.
“From the moment this merger was announced it was clear that there were some serious antitrust issues involved,” Lee said. “We will continue to monitor this case as is moves forward and provide the appropriate oversight to the Justice Department’s efforts."
“Blocking mergers that could raise costs and reduce competition is critical for patients across the country,” Klobuchar said. “Senator Lee and I held an Antitrust Subcommittee hearing to closely examine the impact of the proposed health insurance mergers, including Anthem and Cigna, on consumers. I urge the new Administration to be vigilant in the defense of competition as they review how mergers will affect costs and quality of care.”
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