8 ms·
Many are questioning if this move will help consumers. I think it will. Aetna is the third largest insurer and CVS is soon to be second largest pharmacy chain.
by anilshanbhag 9y ago
Many are questioning if this move will help consumers. I think it will.
Aetna is the third largest insurer and CVS is soon to be second largest pharmacy chain. Pharmacies provide basic care at lower cost, many insurance companies are moving Prescription Benefit Managers (PBMs) in-house to lower cost. By combining the two: CVS is able to get more customers for PBM due to Aetna and distribute the cost over a larger base of patients, Aetna maybe be able to reduce costs per customer and better compete with larger insurance firms - its a win-win and a win for consumers.
- aaavl2821 9y agoHistorically consolidation of any kind in healthcare (hospitals, payers) tends to increase costs to consumers This merger may create value but I'm sure Aetna / CVs will capture as much as possible themselves and consumers will see little of it
- pcurve 9y agoI like your optimism. Personally, I don't think this will help consumers, but it won't hurt them either. I think this is more about 1. Leverage. 2. bigger data set on patient and prescribers.