CVS acquired Aetna in October 2018 for $69 billion with the intention of using its more than 9,700 retail stores and 1,100 in-store clinics to establish community health hubs for consumers. The deal was subject to approval by the Justice Department out of concern that such an agreement would likely have anticompetitive effects.

"AMA has concluded that a merger of these two rivals would harm competition and patients, even with the divestiture proposed in the merger settlement. The divestiture of Aetna's prescription drug business to WellCare will reduce competition in the PDP market, rather than restore it to premerger levels,” said Dr. Barbara McAneny, president of the American Medical Association, in a statement at the time.


CVS and Aetna refuted this claim and the deal was eventually approved.

CVS also recently scored a deal that will transfer to it the pharmaceutical services of Intermountain Healthcare in Utah. The healthcare provider recently shut down 25 of its retail pharmacies out there. “We are looking forward to introducing our industry-leading products and services to these new patients, and are committed to ensuring that their pharmacy needs are not only met but exceeded,” said David Royster, regional director of CVS Pharmacy.

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