Who Benefits When Health Plans Merge?
Take Action to Bring Oversight and Accountability to Mergers
Aetna. Anthem. Blue Shield. Humana. Who really benefits when health plans propose to merge? Shareholders, executives—or patients and the public? A bill in the California State Assembly, AB 595 by Assemblymember Jim Wood, will bring stronger oversight and accountability to proposed health plan mergers so major changes to our health care system are in the public interest.
Right now, just five health plans control 90% of the California market - additional consolidation is likely to result in fewer choices and higher prices for millions of Californians. AB 595 will increase oversight and accountability of proposed mergers by strengthening the Department of Managed Health Care's ability to scrutinize them.
Despite the insurance industry’s claims, bigger is not necessarily better for consumers, and the state must thoroughly review proposed mergers, provide the public with the opportunity to voice concerns, and require health plans to put patients and the public first.
AB 595 is facing a critical vote on the Assembly Floor this month.
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