Some Californians are worried that the UnitedHealth-PacifiCare merger could lead to higher premiums and might end up limiting their healthcare choices. California's Department of Managed Care held hearings yesterday in Santa Ana to investigate the likely impact of the deal. Critics say customers are likely to end up footing the bill for the $300 million in bonuses scheduled for executives at PacifiCare. Representatives for UnitedHealth denied that the merger would have any impact on the quality of service its customers receive.
- see this story from the Los Angeles Times