Â鶹ŮÓÅ

Federal authorities reviewing the proposed Aetna- Humana merger have asked for more information, pushing back the deadline to rule on the deal. On Friday, the day the deadline was to expire, the companies said they had received a second request for information from the Justice Department. (Armental, 9/18)

Medicare Advantage is the obvious prize Aetna has been eyeing in its acquisition of Humana. But Aetna also hopes to create a health services division with Humana's other assets. It's a sign that even the largest health insurance companies realize they must do more than just sell health insurance if they want to remain at the top of the food chain in the long term. UnitedHealth Group has embraced this model through its Optum subsidiary. (Herman, 9/18)

Hospital company Universal Health Services Inc. said Friday that it has agreed to buy privately-held Foundations Recovery Network LLC for about $350 million, adding a network of addiction-treatment centers to its portfolio. The transaction has been approved by the Federal Trade Commission and United Health expects to complete the deal in the coming weeks. (Beilfuss, 9/18)

Universal Health Services, one of the largest hospital operators in the U.S., said Friday it will buy addiction treatment facility company Foundations Recovery Network for $350 million. Foundations provides treatment for adults who have both addiction and mental health disorders. It has two facilities in California, one in Northern Georgia and one in Memphis, Tennessee, along with eight outpatient centers. (9/18)