CVS-Aetna Merger Cleared by Department of Justice

Verified on October 10, 2018, the Department of Justice has allowed CVS Health’s acquisition of Aetna to proceed. The $68 billion deal is still subject to state regulatory approvals, many of which have been granted.The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year. The intention of the merger is to improve the consumer health care experience at a lower cost for patients and payors.

The news comes just one month after Aetna agreed to sell its Medicare prescription drug business to WellCare Health Plans, Inc. to alleviate concerns that the merger would harm competition among plans with pharmaceutical coverage for seniors.

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