A federal judge rejected a bid by Democratic state officials to temporarily block the White House from ending so-called cost-sharing reduction payments to health insurers under the Affordable Care Act.

After the DOJ shut down both Aetna's and Anthem's plans for major mergers, what's next?

The characterization of the meeting between Humana's Bruce Broussard and Aetna's Mark Bertolini stands in stark contrast to the combative relationship between health insurers Anthem and Cigna.

The government argues the Aetna-Humana deal would eliminate competition between the insurers in 364 counties in 21 states and likely force seniors to pay higher premiums for Medicare Advantage.

The U.S. is challenging Anthems $48 billion takeover of Cigna, saying it will reduce competition in the national market for insurance plans sold to large companies and lead to higher prices.

The case against the megamerger between Anthem and Cigna is slated to begin today, with the government hoping to block the deal.

The Justice Department filed an antitrust lawsuit to stop the Anthem-Cigna and Aetna-Humana deals.

The judge's reasons for his ruling are sealed, but the order has been made public.