‘We Need to Break Up Big Medicine’: Elizabeth Warren Says Trump DOJ Gave UnitedHealth ‘More Power’ in $3.3 Billion Amedisys Deal

Key takeaways

• UnitedHealth’s $3.3 billion purchase of Amedisys, cleared by the Trump DOJ, expands its control over patient care and may increase costs, prompting regulatory backlash and a modest dip in the stock.
• $3.3 billion acquisition
• $528 million annual revenue from divested locations
• 164 locations divested

What happened

Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the Trump administration for allowing UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE: UNH) to acquire Amedisys Inc. for $3.3 billion, saying the deal gives the insurer more control over patient care and could raise costs and limit access. The DOJ had previously sued to block the merger in November 2024, but settled in August 2025 and the court approved the settlement in December 2025. The settlement required UnitedHealth and Amedisys to divest 164 home‑health and hospice…

Why it matters

The acquisition consolidates insurance, pharmacy, and home‑care services under one company, potentially increasing pricing power and reducing competition. Warren argues that such vertical integration can lead to higher costs for patients and employers. The DOJ’s approval of the deal, despite earlier opposition,…

Short-term and longer-term

Short-term. UnitedHealth shares slipped just under 1% after the announcement, reflecting short‑term concern over the divestiture and regulatory penalties.

Longer-term. Over the next few months, investors should monitor how the divestiture impacts UnitedHealth’s revenue mix and whether the company can maintain growth in its core insurance and pharmacy businesses.