Consolidating services may be best for consumers

While the goals of the Affordable Care Act are noble, the results have certainly increased the costs of healthcare and caused insurers and medical systems to consolidate in order to absorb costs -- which is why Anthem and Cigna are seeking to do just that. Doing so may be the only way to deliver innovative healthcare and wellness services while absorbing costs to keep their rates affordable for consumers.

While government officials try to break up businesses and stop mergers like this, history has shown us that government intervention always harms the consumer. In his book "Antitrust and Monopoly: Anatomy of a Policy Failure," Harford professor Dominick Armentano examined 55 of the most famous antitrust cases in U.S. history and concluded that in every single case, the accused companies were dropping prices, expanding production, innovating and generally benefiting consumers.

Both Anthem and Cigna currently offer innovative technology solutions that would be more effective combined. Specifically, Anthem's LiveHealthOnline makes it easy for customers to securely connect with a doctor around the clock to get quick answers to questions. Cigna's Health Matters allows consumers to track activity levels and improve health habits while earning rewards for taking these steps. Combining these two complementary products just makes sense.

Now that government regulators have moved the cheese and created a new regulatory scheme, it only makes sense that they would allow Anthem and Cigna to adjust and adapt appropriately so they can continue provide Missourians with access to quality and affordable health insurance.

STATE REP. ERIC BURLISON, Battlefiled, Missouri