Justice Department sues to block UnitedHealth Group’s $3.3 billion purchase of Amedisys
NEW YORK– The Justice Department is suing to block UnitedHealth Group’s $3.3 billion purchase of Amedisys, citing concerns that the combination would hinder access to health and hospice services at home in the United States.
Antitrust complaint was filed Tuesday in federal court in Maryland. In a statement, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said the government is challenging the proposed merger of UnitedHealth and Amedisys because “patients and their families who are going through some of the most difficult times of their lives lives deserve affordable, high-quality care options.”
This suit follows UnitedHealth’s acquisition of LHC Group Inc., another home health and hospice provider. Since that transaction was finalized last year, the Justice Department said, UnitedHealth and Amedisys have become the two largest providers of home health and hospice care in the country.
The department argues that eliminating competition between UnitedHealth and Amedisys “would harm patients who receive home health and hospice services, insurers who contract for home health services, and nurses who provide hospice services.” health and palliative care at home.
Attorneys general from four states – Maryland, Illinois, New Jersey and New York – are joining the Justice Department in the antitrust suit.
UnitedHealth is while searching to add Amedisys to Optum, its subsidiary which provides healthcare as well as pharmaceutical and technological services. Optum said Tuesday the acquisition “would be pro-competitive and promote innovation.” He said he plans to “vigorously defend against the DOJ’s overinterpretation of antitrust laws.”
Louisiana-based Amedisys added that it also remains committed to the deal, which it said will “create more opportunities to provide quality, compassionate, value-based care to patients and their families.” .
Beyond its Optum unit, UnitedHealth Group also runs one of the nation’s largest health insurers, UnitedHealthcare. Last month, the Minnesota-based healthcare giant reported third-quarter net income of $6.06 billion on revenue of $100.82 billion.
