By: Richard L. Smith
According to information released by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, New Jersey is joining three other states and the U.S. Department of Justice in a proposed settlement addressing UnitedHealth Group Inc.’s $3.3 billion acquisition of Amedisys, Inc.
The agreement requires UnitedHealth to sell 164 home health and hospice locations — plus one affiliated palliative care facility, across 19 states. 
This includes three home health facilities in New Jersey, with two more to be divested if regulatory approvals for certain associated facilities are not secured.
Together, the divested operations represent roughly $528 million in annual revenue, marking the largest divestiture of outpatient healthcare services ever required to resolve a merger challenge.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said the move is aimed at protecting patient choice and preventing anti-competitive practices in the home health market.
The settlement also calls for an independent monitor to oversee the divestiture process and ensure compliance.
Buyers of the divested locations must receive the resources, staff, and relationships necessary to compete effectively against UnitedHealth.
As part of the legal process, the settlement and a competitive impact statement will be published in the Federal Register, followed by a 60-day public comment period.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland will review the agreement and decide whether to approve it.
Maryland, Illinois, and New York are also parties to the settlement alongside New Jersey and the DOJ.