Insurers tap hospitals in M&As

Mergers and acquisitions are on the rise throughout the health insurance industry since the reform law was passed. And given that President Obama's recent re-election essentially cements the reform law into existence, there's a good chance M&A activity will ramp up as payers try to position themselves for the post-reform insurance market. But the key to making wise M&A moves? Thinking outside the box to consider non-conventional targets, Jill Dailey, senior executive of health strategy for consultant firm Accenture, told FierceHealthPayer. Many health plans are looking toward vertical integration, including how to be involved in the delivery of care, by acquiring hospitals, clinics or physician practices. --Read the full commentary on FierceHealthPayer