Group seeks to block UnitedHealth deal |
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Published
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Mon, 26 Mar 2007 22:26
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NEW YORK (AP) - A consumer group on Monday asked the Department of Justice to block UnitedHealth Group's proposed purchase of Sierra Health Services because it said it will limit patient choice.Consumers for Health Care Choices wrote Attorney General Alberto Gonzales a letter which said, 'There is already far too much concentration in the hands of a few giant players in health care. Greater concentration means less competition and that is bad for consumers.'In a statement, UnitedHealth Group Inc. said the deal 'will provide the people of Nevada with the advantages of a full range of affordable services and access to a broader network of quality physicians and hospitals. The national resources of UnitedHealth will enhance Sierra's existing capabilities as a leading provider of quality health services.'Earlier this month, UnitedHealth announced it had agreed to purchase Las Vegas-based Sierra Health Services Inc. for about $2.6 billion.Last week, The American Medical Association asked the Department of Justice to scuttle the deal, saying it was anticompetitive.Consumers for Health Care Choices is a nonprofit organization that seeks to expand patients' choices and role in the health care system.Shares of UnitedHealth rose 37 cents to close at $56.88 on the New York Stock Exchange. Shares of Sierra Health Services rose 3 cents to $41.44 on the NYSE.Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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AMA wants UnitedHealth deal blocked 