A PYMNTS Company

UnitedHealth Group Abandons Two Acquisitions Following Antitrust Division Scrutiny

By  |  July 28, 2024

UnitedHealth Group has abandoned its proposed acquisitions of Stewardship Health Inc. and a related company, following intense scrutiny from the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. This decision comes amidst growing concerns about the potential impact of these transactions on healthcare quality, costs, and working conditions for medical professionals.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division released a statement highlighting the significance of the Antitrust Division’s role in this outcome. “When you ask Americans what keeps them up at night, affording and accessing quality health care is too often at the top of their list,” Kanter stated. He emphasized that these proposed acquisitions by UnitedHealth Group, which is one of the largest healthcare companies in the United States, raised serious questions about their potential effects on the quality and cost of care, as well as the working conditions for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers.

    Kanter expressed his gratitude towards the Antitrust Division’s team for their diligent efforts. “I am grateful for the Antitrust Division’s lawyers, economists, paralegals and professional staff who are tireless in their commitment to identify and address pressing antitrust problems in healthcare markets,” he said.

    Read more: UnitedHealth Faces Antitrust Lawsuit Over Alleged Misconduct Post Change Healthcare Acquisition

    The abandonment of these acquisitions marks a significant moment in the ongoing scrutiny of mergers and acquisitions in the healthcare sector. It underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to ensuring that such transactions do not harm consumers or undermine the quality of healthcare services.

    UnitedHealth Group has yet to release a detailed statement regarding their decision to withdraw from these deals. However, the company’s actions reflect the increasing pressure and regulatory hurdles facing large healthcare providers as they seek to expand their market presence.

    The scrutiny of these acquisitions is part of a broader effort by the Antitrust Division to maintain competitive markets and prevent monopolistic practices that could disadvantage consumers and healthcare professionals.

    Source: Justice Gov