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Deals among the nation’s largest health insurers in recent weeks have been almost head-spinning. But whatever the details, if the combinations are finalized, the result will be an industry dominated by three colossal insurers. Consumer advocates, policy experts and former regulators say that what may be good for the insurers may not be good for consumers, especially in the wake of a similar frenzy of deal-making among hospitals and doctors’ groups. (Abelson, 8/2)

The giant health insurance mergers now on the table would reduce the number of major national insurers from five to three. John Oxendine, Georgia’s former insurance commissioner, believes that a Big Three is not enough for a competitive balance. (Miller, 8/2)