Aetna-Humana trial begins with debate over Medicare Advantage, ACA exchange competition

Opening arguments began in the antitrust trial that will decide the fate of the Aetna-Humana deal, with opposing sides at odds over how the acquisition will affect two key markets. The Justice Department sued to block the deal—as well as the Anthem-Cigna merger—in July, saying that if allowed to proceed, the deals would “fundamentally reshape the health insurance industry” and significantly constrict competition. Anthem and Cigna’s trial began Nov. 21. DOJ lawyer Craig Conrath opened the Aetna-Humana trial by saying the deal would erase competition in more than 350 counties where the two insurers compete to sell Medicare Advantage plans.