Cigna and Humana would have a combined market value of $145 billion, but the FTC is likely to look closely at any potential merger plans.

(Reuters) - Health insurers Cigna and Humana are in talks for a merger, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The companies are discussing a stock-and-cash deal that could be finalized by the end of the year, according to the report.

Shares of Cigna dropped, and Humana's wavered edged lower, after the Journal reported that the health-insurance companies are in talks to merge. Cigna's shares were recently off some 3%, while Humana'

Shares of Cigna slid after a report that the company is in talks with Humana about a merger between the two health care giants.