The government is citing concerns the deal would hinder access to home health and hospice services in the U.S.

Four states and the Justice Department argued against consolidation of two leading health care companies, citing patient care affordability and nursing employment competition.

The Justice Department on Tuesday sued to block UnitedHealth Group’s $3.3 billion acquisition of Amedisys, alleging the deal would give the health-industry giant too much power over the market for home health and hospice services.

The Justice Department and four Attorneys General have blocked UnitedHealth Group Incorporated’s $3.3 billion acquisition of Amedisys Inc. The Attorneys General of Maryland, Illinois, New Jersey, and New York joined the blockade alongside the legal watchdog of the United States government,

UnitedHealth Group's $3.3 billion acquisition of Amedisys, the largest M&A deal for a Minnesota company in 2023, is being targeted by antitrust regulators who say the merger would hurt competition in the home health care sector.