Erb questioned whether bigger means better for Aetna, given that Prudential lost hundreds of millions of dollars in the HMO business. In the past, HMO mergers have had mixed results. In several deals, including Aetna's purchase of U.S. Healthcare in 1996, HMOs have had difficulty integrating operations. The result has been delays in payments to doctors and hospitals and lapses in customer service. And many have failed to cut costs as promised.
Consumer groups say they have difficulty supporting a colossal-sized health plan.
Contact the webmasters.