The request also extends the waiting period the FTC is allowed to challenge the proposal under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 until the 30th day after “substantial compliance” with the request.
UnitedHealth first announced its intention to acquire the Lafayette, La.-based home-health and hospice provider for $5.4 billion in March. If approved, the purchase will strengthen UnitedHealth’s ability to provide value-based care within a patient’s home, the companies said in a March 29 news release. LHC has operations in 37 states and cares for more than 500,000 patients annually.