The U.S. Department of Justice is preparing to go to court to block two giant health insurance mergers, a development that is surprising, but not shocking.

Thus far, the four companies involved in the two proposed mergers Anthem-Cigna and Aetna-Humana have kept their public response to antitrust concerns relatively vague, arguing in general terms that their increased size will not significantly reduce competition in the insurance market but will allow them to offer better service to members.

By merging, they have argued, they will become more efficient and stronger in price negotiations with hospitals and pharmaceutical companies, which will lead to lower costs for their members.

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