Aetna's dental membership will swell even more dramatically, more than doubling from 7 million to 15 million. Both companies have approved the merger, though terms of the acquisition aren't expected to be final until the second quarter of this year. Aetna officials said that a complete transition could take up to 36 months and the deliberate pace will minimize layoffs.
Experts agree that the deal is sweet for both sides.
The merger will dramatically increase Aetna's share of key markets in several states, including Texas, Florida, and New York. However, critics of the merger have argued that it will create an anti-competitive environment in the insurance industry. However, Aetna officials said the AMA's complaint is unfounded and wouldn't hold up the merger. It is our point of view that this acquisition would increase choice because the consumer's choice of physicians in any particular market will go up.