New York Attorney General Letitia James is taking a firm stance against healthcare monopolies. She has joined forces with attorneys general from Illinois, Maryland, and New Jersey to block a potential merger between UnitedHealth Group and Amedisys. According to a press release from the Attorney General's office, the agreement prevents the creation of a dominant entity that could negatively impact vulnerable patients. The proposed acquisition has been halted, helping to protect seniors and others’ access to affordable, high-quality health care services.
UnitedHealth and Amedisys, typically competitors in the home health market, were planning a merger, but James and other attorneys general intervened. “Fair competition helps ensure that New Yorkers can get affordable, quality health care wherever they live,” James stated in the press release. The settlement requires the sale of certain facilities in affected states, including New York, where UnitedHealth will divest three Willcare home health locations, aiming to maintain competition in the health care market. A DOJ-appointed monitor will oversee the divestitures to ensure compliance with the terms and prevent any unauthorized actions.
In the past year, James’ office has recovered over $2.5 million from NYC bus tour companies, taken action against a ski resort owner for unfair competition, and reached settlements concerning no-poach agreements in building services. She has also led a coalition of attorneys general in filing charges against Google for alleged search engine monopolization.
On the home front, the case and the consumer protection team leading it were headed by Assistant Attorneys General Saami Zain and Isabella Pitt, working to enforce the law and maintain healthcare market integrity. The team’s role is to ensure competition in healthcare markets remains effective for the benefit of New Yorkers. Their efforts focus on holding major players accountable and protecting access to medical care.
