Among left-of-center critics of the Senate health bill, you’ll often hear it described as a “bailout for insurers.” That notion came to mind when I read Bloomberg BusinessWeek reporters Alex Nussbaum and Meg Tirrell on consolidation among health insurers and hospital chains.

If a comprehensive health reform bill had passed, it might have pulled in more than 30 million new paying customers. Without the influx, health care companies are scrambling to cut costs—and the strongest are poised to devour the weak.

Save the inefficient private insurers! Somehow I’m guessing this rallying cry won’t send hearts aflutter.