Clinton questions plans for health insurers to merge

WASHINGTON (AP) - Hillary Rodham Clinton is warning that planned mergers in the health insurance industry could tip the balance of power away from consumers.

The Democratic presidential candidate said Wednesday she has "serious concerns" with the proposed acquisition of Cigna by Blue Cross-Blue Shield insurer Anthem, and plans by Aetna to acquire Medicare Advantage coverage provider Humana.

Clinton says the proposed merger between Anthem and Cigna could raise market concentration in New Hampshire to "excessive levels." She says both would concentrate competition in other U.S. markets.

Anthem wants to buy Cigna for $48 billion while Aetna wants to acquire Humana for about $35 billion.

The Justice Department is reviewing the deals to determine if the mergers would make the companies so dominant they could create a competitive imbalance.