Healthcare’s new order

The healthcare and benefits industry is undergoing a radical sea change as the private sector appears to have run out patience with the high cost of medical coverage. In response to rampant inefficiencies, inscrutable business practices and soaring costs, leading employers, insurers and brokerages are forming new alliances at a furious rate. Here we look at some of the major reshufflings that have taken place over the past 12 months and their potential impact.

CVS Health made waves when it announced that it was buying health insurer Aetna for $69 billion. Industry observers think that the combination will allow the drugstore super-chain to promote its in-store health clinics to employers as a low-cost alternative.