A new policy threatens market competition, showcasing the Department of Justice’s renewed vigor under the Trump administration.
DOJ’s Antitrust Actions in Healthcare
The Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, under the leadership of Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater, announced a significant enforcement action requiring UnitedHealth’s Optum to divest 164 home health and hospice locations across 19 states. This move is a condition for their acquisition of Amedisys. Slater described this as the largest divestiture settlement in the sector, aimed at preserving competition and ensuring patient choice in local markets. The divestiture will proceed through standard court approval processes, with the aim of finding competitive buyers to maintain service quality.
The DOJ’s approach in this case highlights a commitment to scrutinizing healthcare mergers that threaten local competition. By enforcing such a large-scale divestiture, the DOJ aims to prevent anti-competitive consolidation in home health and hospice services. This settlement indicates a shift towards more aggressive antitrust enforcement, reflecting Slater’s commitment to consumer-focused policies.
Tackling Algorithmic Rent Coordination
In a separate action, the DOJ has reached a settlement with Greystar, the largest property manager in the United States, requiring it to end its participation in an algorithmic rent-pricing coordination scheme. This settlement compels Greystar to cease coordinating rental prices, either through algorithms or direct communication with competitors. The DOJ’s intervention aims to restore independent pricing decisions in the rental market, reducing the risk of artificially inflated rents due to shared confidential data.
The move against Greystar underscores the DOJ’s vigilance against the misuse of pricing algorithms, establishing that such technologies do not shield companies from antitrust liability. This case sets a precedent for handling algorithmic pricing issues, signaling that similar practices in other industries may face scrutiny. The enforcement actions taken by the DOJ indicate a broader effort to protect consumers and ensure competitive markets.
Implications for the Future
The settlements with UnitedHealth and Greystar mark a significant step in the DOJ’s antitrust strategy, reinforcing the Trump administration’s “America First” antitrust themes. These actions are expected to have long-term implications, encouraging stricter scrutiny of healthcare consolidations and reinforcing the need for independent pricing in the rental sector. The DOJ’s assertive posture is likely to deter future anti-competitive mergers and practices, promoting healthier competition across industries.
DOJ Victories on Rental Market, Healthcare Competition Further ‘America First Antitrust’https://t.co/xur7CG7L6k
— Abigail Slater (@AAGSlater) August 12, 2025
For consumers, these settlements promise improved service quality and pricing. Patients and families relying on home health services can expect better competition and care options. Renters in markets affected by Greystar’s practices may benefit from more competitive rental prices. The DOJ’s actions highlight a commitment to defending consumer interests and maintaining fair market practices, setting a clear enforcement template for future cases.
Sources:
Real Estate Almanac profile of Gail Slater