Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group Inc. is the focus of an antitrust lawsuit filed on Tuesday by the United States Department of Justice.

The U.S. Justice Department and four states sued Tuesday to block UnitedHealth Group’s proposed $3.3 billion acquisition of Amedisys, a Louisiana-based home health company that would further United’s push into the home care and hospice markets.

UnitedHealth announced its plan to buy Amedisys, a major home health care provider, more than a year ago. Home health is a growing business for the company. While legally headquartered in Louisiana, Amedisys keeps its executive offices in Nashville.

The U.S. Department of Justice and three U.S. states filed a lawsuit on Tuesday to block UnitedHealth Group's $3.3 billion acquisition of Amedisys Inc , citing concerns that the deal would reduce competition in the home health services market.

Adds UnitedHealth comment.Amedisys (NASDAQ:AMED) dropped 1.8% as the Dept. of Justice confirmed it filed a lawsuit to challenge the home-health services provider's planned $3.3 billion sale to UnitedHealth (UNH).

The Justice Department and four Democratic state attorneys general argued that United’s takeover would limit competition and harm consumers needing home or hospice care.

UnitedHealth is seeking to add Amedisys to Optum, its subsidiary that provides care as well as pharmacy and technology services.

The Justice Department and four Attorneys General have blocked UnitedHealth Group Incorporated’s $3.3 billion acquisition of Amedisys Inc. The Attorneys General of Maryland, Illinois, New Jersey, and New York joined the blockade alongside the legal watchdog of the United States government,