If DOJ Blocks UnitedHealth/Change Deal, Dispute Could Linger

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is considering taking steps to block UnitedHealth Group’s planned acquisition of Change Healthcare Inc., according to press reports. Experts say the DOJ has a strong case — and that if UnitedHealth’s Optum division continues to pursue the transaction in spite of legal action, the suit could drag on for years.

In March, Change Healthcare and UnitedHealth received a request for additional information about their proposed tie-up from the DOJ, signaling that the department would be closely scrutinizing the deal. The American Hospital Association (AHA) sent a letter a few days before the announcement “respectfully request[ing] that [DOJ] conduct a thorough investigation of the proposed transaction because it threatens to reduce competition for the sale of health care information technology services to hospitals and other health care providers.” Legal experts and health care insiders agree with the AHA’s take on the deal.

0 Comments
© 2024 MMIT
Peter Johnson

Peter Johnson

Peter has been a reporter for nearly a decade. Before joining AIS Health, Peter covered a wide variety of topics in his hometown of Seattle, where he continues to live. Peter’s work has appeared in publications including The Atlantic and The Stranger. Peter attended Colby College.

Related Posts

doctor-looking-at-screen
March 22

New Billing Codes Led to Explosion of Patient-Messaging Claims

READ MORE
businessman-viewing-news-update-journalism-headline-on-a-laptop
March 22

News Briefs: ACA Plan Signups Totaled 21M During 2024 Open Enrollment

READ MORE
magnifying-glass
March 22

GAO Urges CMS to Collect Better Data on Appeals, Grievances in Managed Medicaid

READ MORE

GAIN THERAPEUTIC AREA-SPECIFIC INTEL TO DRIVE ACCESS FOR YOUR BRAND

Sign up for publications to get unmatched business intelligence delivered to your inbox.

subscribe today