Buyout of Sierra Health challenged

CARSON CITY (AP) -- A big union, national, state and local medical groups, a local government official and a U.S. House panel filed documents today in Washington, D.C., in efforts to block the biggest health care deal in Nevada history.

The documents filed with the federal Justice Department and U.S. District Court oppose the $2.6 billion purchase of Las Vegas-based Sierra Health Services Inc. by Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group Inc.

Those opposing the deal include Service Employees International Union Nevada, which represents thousands of health care workers in Nevada, the American Medical Association, Nevada State Medical Association and Clark County Medical Association.

Also fighting the acquisition are Clark County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani and the U.S. House Committee on Small Business.

The Justice Department already has said it will allow UnitedHealth to go forward with the purchase, but only if the companies divest assets related to UnitedHealth's Las Vegas Medicare Advantage.