WellPoint Inc (WLP.N) plans to purchase privately held Medicare specialist CareMore to expand its presence in the U.S. government program for the elderly. The deal advances WellPoint's plans to become a bigger competitor in Medicare, rivaling leaders UnitedHealth Group Inc (UNH.N) and Humana Inc (HUM.N), as it seeks to take advantage of the post-war baby boom generation becoming eligible for the program. WellPoint did not announce the price, but The New York Times said it was about $800 million, citing unnamed sources. The acquisition may signal increased deal activity that has been expected in the industry since the U.S. healthcare overhaul passed last year.
WellPoint, Inc. (WellPoint) is a health benefits company in terms of medical membership in the United States. Shares of WLP fell by 0.43% or $-0.33/share to $75.6. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $46.52 and as high as $81.92. On average, 3034960 shares of WLP exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 1018013.
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated is a diversified health and well-being company. Shares of UNH traded higher by 0.23% or $0.11/share to $48.08. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $27.13 and as high as $51.46. On average, 6506680 shares of UNH exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 1641697.
Humana Inc. (Humana) is a health and supplemental benefits company. Shares of HUM traded higher by 0.61% or $0.47/share to $77.76. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $43.59 and as high as $80.42. On average, 1544210 shares of HUM exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 313375.
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