Anthem CEO stresses company's commitment to pending merger with Cigna

Anthem remains steadfast in its commitment to the pending acquisition of Cigna, President and CEO Joe Swedish said during a report Wednesday on second quarter earnings.

"Our commitment to the pending Cigna acquisition remains as strong as ever and we believe this acquisition will further advance affordability and quality for our customers," Swedish said less than a week after the Department of Justice filed an injunction against the $48 billion merger and also the proposed $37 billion deal between Aetna and Humana.

The Department of Justice said the proposed mergers would deter competition, which would harm consumers.

[Also: DOJ sues to block Anthem/Cigna, Aetna/Humana mergers as companies plan to fight back]

Swedish said he has asked for the case to go to trial in October.

Anthem announced Wednesday its second quarter 2016 net income was $780.6 million, compared to net income in the second quarter of 2015 of $859.1 million.

Operating revenue was nearly $21.3 billion in the second quarter of 2016, an increase of approximately $1.5 billion, or 7.7 percent, versus the nearly $19.8 billion in the prior year quarter.

The growth in revenue reflects premium increases to cover overall costs, adjustments made to the prior and current year risk adjustment estimates in ACA compliant products, and higher enrollment in the Medicaid and commercial self-funded businesses, Anthem said in a release.

[Also: Anthem, Express Scripts face legal challenge over prescription drug prices]

Medical enrollment increased by approximately 1.2 million members in 2016, or 3 percent, totaling approximately 39.8 million members as of June 30, 2016.

"Our second quarter results reflect the continued growth and diversification of our company," Swedish said.

Second quarter earnings were in line with expectations and reflect contributions from both business segments and an ongoing commitment to administrative expense efficiency, said John Gallina, executive vice president and CFO .

[Also: California Insurance Commissioner urges feds to block $54 billion Anthem-Cigna deal]

Anthem has three reportable segments: Commercial and specialty business, which is comprised of the local group, national accounts, individual and specialty businesses; Government business, which is comprised of the Medicaid and Medicare businesses, national government services, and the federal employee program; and other.

Commercial and specialty business enrollment increased by 654,000 medical members as the company experienced growth in the national and local group business, partially offset by a slight decrease in the individual business, Anthem said.

Enrollment also grew by 572,000 in the Medicaid business.

Twitter: @SusanJMorse