SAN FRANCISCO, CA — California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones says he has "some significant skepticism" about the benefits of Anthem Inc.'s proposed acquisition of rival insurer Cigna Corp.
Jones spoke at a public hearing on the proposed $54 billion merger Tuesday in San Francisco.
Jones is the chief regulator for a small segment of the California health care market. He'll make a recommendation to the U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission.
He says his biggest question is whether the merger will help or harm consumers.
Anthem and Cigna officials say the combined company would have lower costs, more products and higher quality.
Some consumer advocacy groups want Jones to recommend against the merger or push for conditions that protect consumers.
Jones is a Democrat running for attorney general in 2018.
