UnitedHealth Finalizes $3.3B Amedisys Acquisition After Two-Year Antitrust Review

Amedisys also paid a $1.1 million civil penalty for inaccurately certifying compliance with the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act.

After a two-year antitrust review, UnitedHealth Group (UNH) has completed its $3.3 billion acquisition of Amedisys, a leading home health and hospice provider. The deal positions UnitedHealth as the largest hospice provider in the United States and expands its operations in home-based care.

The acquisition faced regulatory scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which initially challenged the deal over concerns it could limit patient choice and increase local healthcare costs through market consolidation. To resolve these issues, UnitedHealth and Amedisys divested 164 home health and hospice facilities across 19 states, including one facility in Louisiana, representing $528 million in revenue.

Amedisys also paid a $1.1 million civil penalty for inaccurately certifying compliance with the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act.

"The closure of this transaction demonstrates that necessary regulatory requirements have been addressed while allowing the home healthcare sector to expand its reach," a spokesperson noted.

The acquisition aligns with UnitedHealth's strategic focus on the growing home-healthcare sector, which is increasingly important as the U.S. population ages.

UnitedHealth’s stock currently holds a Moderate Buy consensus rating with a 15.48% upside potential. Despite this, the stock has declined 50.1% year-to-date, compared with a 41.7% decline across the industry. Its forward price-to-earnings ratio is 14.13, above the industry average of 12.30. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings is $17.32 per share, implying a 37.4% decline from the prior year.

Analysts note that the completion of the acquisition could signal a broader shift in the U.S. healthcare market toward expanded home-based services. The DOJ’s approval under the current administration reflects a more business-accommodating regulatory environment, which allowed the deal to clear key legal hurdles.

As the largest hospice provider post-acquisition, UnitedHealth is expected to strengthen its home healthcare offerings while addressing regulatory and compliance obligations in multiple states. The divestitures and civil penalty maintain patient choice and local market competition.

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