The average consumer should catch a price break if major health insurers like Anthem and Cigna combine and cut their expenses.
That’s the basic theory, at least.
The reality will be much murkier for the more than 50 million people who may be affected if Anthem Inc. succeeds with its bid to buy smaller rival Cigna Corp. or if other major insurers combine as many on Wall Street anticipate.
Customers of companies involved in a multi-billion-dollar combination might see some price changes, fewer plan choices and better technology. This all can depend on the customer’s coverage and where he or she lives.
Here are some themes that will emerge if a big deal materializes.