UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) has signaled confidence in the merger with Amedisys (NASDAQ: AMED) in a shareholder document.
According to the publication, previous drafts of documents marked as “privileged and confidential” were incorrectly sent to statistics reporters. According to STAT, after informing UnitedHealth of its intent to report to the document, UnitedHealth posted a slightly modified version of the document on its website.
In both versions of the 18-page document, UnitedHealth addresses the proposed merger with Amedisys. This is plagued by antitrust law and investigations by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
“We remain optimistic about completing the proposed merger and Amedisys,” the document read. “Amejiji's commitment to domestic quality and care innovation, and patient culture combined with Optum's deep value-based care expertise, could promote meaningful improvements in health outcomes and experiences for more patients, leading to the continued growth of both organizations.”
The company has tried to sell its assets twice to quell antitrust concerns.
In June 2024, UnitedHealth and Amedisys announced plans to sell more than 100 home health and hospice locations to Vital Care. The contract reportedly halted in January. In May, the company announced a planned sale to Pennant Group (NASDAQ: PNTG) and Brightspring Health Services (NASDAQ: BTSG). Within two weeks, DOJ reportedly refused to sell.
UnitedHealth also addressed a “potential investigation” in the DOJ's shareholders meeting document.
“We do not comment or speculate about the DOJ's intentions,” the document read.
Additionally, the company commented on reports from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and reported that the company was under investigation by the DOJ due to a Medicare Advantay scam. The company said it would not comment on “claims and speculations.”
“If you push the WSJ story: The Wall Street Journal used flawed analysis and inaccurate data.
Draw incomplete pictures of programs that provide better health outcomes and more
The leaked documents read affordable healthcare for millions of seniors.
The company said it “stalked behind the integrity of the MA program,” urging CMS to conduct more frequent audits of MA plans.
