News Briefs: DOJ Reportedly Poised to Block UnitedHealth-Change Healthcare Deal

The Dept. of Justice is preparing to file suit to block UnitedHealth Group’s proposed acquisition of Change Healthcare Inc., according to multiple media outlets citing Dealreporter. Reportedly, the DOJ will meet with UnitedHealth and Change Healthcare representatives in the next few days. The firms had looked into divesting assets to pass antitrust scrutiny, but the DOJ has not accepted any proposal so far, sources familiar with the transaction told Dealreporter.

AHIP asked CMS for more information regarding its National Coverage Determination (NCD) on Aduhelm, the controversial Alzheimer’s drug that garnered accelerated approval from the FDA in 2021 despite objections on scientific and ethical grounds. CMS said in January that Medicare will cover Aduhelm and other drugs in its class only for people who are enrolled in qualifying clinical trials. In a Feb. 10 letter signed by AHIP CEO Matthew Eyles, the trade group requested “that CMS provide clear guidance to MA plans on their coverage obligations under the NCD.” In particular, Eyles called for a list of clinical trials MA plans must cover.