UnitedHealth Group Set for Further Acquisitions

Despite intensifying regulatory scrutiny on its deals, UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) remains poised for further acquisitions. During the past two years, the insurance giant has completed a slew of acquisitions spanning much of the health care continuum — including hospice, palliative care and home health — as well as health care technology, largely through its […]

Justice Department Launches UnitedHealth Group Antitrust Investigation

In case you missed it, Hospice News has launched a new specialty publication for palliative care professionals. You can subscribe to Palliative Care News here: Subscribe today! The U.S. Justice Department is investigating UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) due to antitrust concerns. During the past two years, the insurance giant has completed a slew of acquisitions […]

Principles Underlying Optum’s Home-Based Care Deals

Optum Health’s home-based care acquisitions are designed to support an overarching goal of expanding value-based care and diversifying clinical capabilities. The UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) subsidiary in June penned an agreement to acquire Amedisys in an all-cash transaction of $101 per share, or about $3.3 billion. This followed its $5.4 billion acquisition of LHC Group, […]

Lawmakers Ask DOJ, FTC to Examine Optum’s Amedisys Transaction

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington) have called on the U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to “scrutinize” the pending acquisition of Amedisys (NASDAQ: AMED) by Optum Health. Optum, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UHN), in June penned its agreement to acquire Amedisys in an all-cash transaction […]

Justice Department’s Amedisys-Optum Inquiry Reflects Growing Antitrust Concerns

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will investigate potential antitrust violations in the UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) subsidiary Optum’s forthcoming acquisition of Amedisys, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMED). To date, neither Amedisys nor Optum have been accused of any wrongdoing. The DOJ performed a similar investigation when Optum acquired the health care technology company Change Healthcare earlier this […]

Dr. Amar Desai Takes Helm at Optum Health as New CEO

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) subsidiary Optum Health recently tapped Dr. Amar Desai as its new CEO. The change in leadership comes on the heels of Optum Health’s growing presence in the hospice and home health landscape. The company has acquired two of the nation’s largest providers — LHC Group and Amedisys Inc. (NASDAQ: AMED) — […]

4 For-Profit Hospice Providers to Watch in 2023

The hospice space — and the health care system at large — is in a state of flux, driven by value-based reimbursement models, an expanding home-based care continuum and industry-changing transactions. Halfway through the year, Hospice News’ “Four Providers to Watch,” exemplifies the ways that hospice operators are trying to not only to keep up […]

5 Game-Changing Hospice Deals from 2022

Though hospice deal volume dipped in 2022 compared to previous years, five particular transactions could paint a larger picture of where investors see value in the space. These interesting, unusual or groundbreaking deals could signal what’s to come in 2023 and help shape the hospice market’s long-term future. Optum to pick up LHC Group Though […]

Optum’s LHC Group Acquisition Expected to Close in Q1 2023

The anticipated acquisition of LHC Group (NASDAQ: LHCG) by the UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) subsidiary Optum is now expected to close during the first quarter of 2023. Optum in April announced its agreement to purchase the Lafayette, Louisiana-based home health and hospice provider for $5.5 billion. Initially expected to close this year, LHC Group today […]

UnitedHealth Group Adapts to Changing Health Care System Via Optum Investments

The U.S. health care system is in a state of flux, as the home gains prominence as a care setting and value-based payment builds momentum. Recent deals by UnitedHealth Group’s (NYSE: UNH) Optum subsidiary demonstrate a willingness to change with the times. UnitedHealth Group is positioning Optum as a cornerstone of its growing home-based care […]