Cigna and Humana would have a combined market value of $145 billion, but the FTC is likely to look closely at any potential merger plans.

Key Takeaways Shares of Cigna and Humana fell, more than 8% and nearly 5.5%, respectively, after a report that the huge health insurance companies were discussing merging.The health insurers are reportedly discussing a stock-and-cash deal,

Cigna and Humana, two of the biggest U.S. health insurers, are in talks for what could be the largest merger announced in 2023, according to a source familiar with the matter. The Wall Street Journal reported the talks earlier on Wednesday,

Cigna is in talks to merge with Humana in a deal that would create a US health insurance giant worth $140bn and provide a significant test for antitrust authorities, according to people briefed about the matter.

Shares of Cigna dropped, and Humana's wavered edged lower, after the Journal reported that the health-insurance companies are in talks to merge. Cigna's shares were recently off some 3%, while Humana'

Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. Cigna’s market value stands at about $83 billion, while Humana’s is about $62 billion, suggesting it would be mega deal.

Publicly traded health insurers Cigna and Humana are in talks to merge, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources familiar. Why it matters: The combined company would create a powerful force in health insurance — a sector that hasn't seen major M&A moves in several years.