DOJ is investigating UnitedHealth, says WSJ report
Investigators are reportedly looking into Optum Health's acquisition of physician groups, among other matters.
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The Justice Department has launched an antitrust investigation into UnitedHealth Group, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The WSJ report said investigators in recent weeks have been interviewing healthcare industry representatives in sectors in which UnitedHealth competes, including physician groups, according to people with knowledge of the meetings.
Optum includes about 90,000 physicians, according to the report.
Questions include the effect of Optum Health's physician group acquisitions on rivals and consumers. Investigators have also asked whether UnitedHealthcare favored Optum-owned groups in its contracting practices and whether Optum's ownership of providers presents challenges to health insurers that are rivals to UnitedHealthcare, the report said.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The report highlights the Biden administration's efforts to step up antitrust investigations in healthcare.
In July, President Biden issued an executive order aimed at cracking down on hospital and health insurance consolidations and other actions deemed to decrease competition and drive up prices. The four areas of healthcare targeted are: prescription drugs, hospital consolidation, health insurance consolidations and hearing aids.
THE LARGER TREND
In June, home health and hospice company Amedisys announced its intent to combine with Optum in a deal valued at $3.3 billion.
The acquisition is being scrutinized by the DOJ.
Email the writer: SMorse@himss.org
