Rhode Island Public Radio’s John Bender spoke with Bob Hackey, a professor of healthcare policy at Providence College, to parse out this major deal.

Rhode Island-based pharmacy chain CVS is set to acquire the health insurance provider Aetna for $69 billion. The boards of both companies have voted to approve the deal, which still needs approval from federal regulators. The merger raises questions about the future of the two companies, as well as the future of healthcare in America. 

Reporter John Bender was the general assignment reporter for The Public's Radio for several years. He is now a fill-in host when our regular hosts are out.