UnitedHealth (through Optum) wants to buy Amedisys, a major home health and hospice provider. Regulators say the deal could cut competition in many local markets, which can mean fewer choices and higher costs for seniors and families. Winning means stopping the merger or, if it moves forward, enforcing strong remedies that protect real competition.
Why this matters now
Home health and hospice care often happen when people are sick, older, or near the end of life. Families need options they can trust, close to home.
When one large company controls more of the insurance side and the care side, competition can shrink in many communities. Less competition can lead to higher costs, fewer provider choices, and pressure on care quality and workers.