Today, UnitedHealth Group and Amedisys have made an agreement to extend the deadline for closing their $3.3 billion merger.
The extension to postpone the merger until next year follows a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice, blocking the merger. The DOJ stated, a merger 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 home health and hospice services.
The DOJ released several statements against the merger, saying: “We are challenging this merger because home health and hospice patients and their families experiencing some of the most difficult moments of their lives deserve affordable, high quality care options,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will not hesitate to check unlawful consolidation and monopolization in the healthcare market that threatens to harm vulnerable patients, their families, and health care workers.”
“American healthcare is unwell. Unless this $3.3 billion transaction is stopped, UnitedHealth Group will further extend its grip to home health and hospice care, threatening seniors, their families and nurses,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division.
According to the court filing, the companies have 10 days after a final court decision is issued in the lawsuit or Dec. 31, 2025, whichever is earlier.
By CEO NA Editorial Staff
