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6 Things to Know About Humana

Aetna's move to buy Louisville-based health insurance company Humana means a big change for one of the city's most prominent companies. The sale agreement was announced Friday and won't close for a while, but until then Louisville leaders will be considering what changes are in store for the city. Here's some basic information about Humana:


  • Louisville-based health care company Humana was founded in 1961 by Louisville lawyers David Jones and Wendell Cherry.
  • What began as a chain of nursing homes and hospital acquisitions has become a different business through a series of changes. Humana now has 57,000 employees and insures more than 14 million through Medicare, Medicaid and commercial plans. It's Louisville’s second-largest employer. About 12,000 employees are reported to be in Louisville.
  • In 1981, Humana Inc. established The Humana Foundation, which serves as the philanthropic side of the company. The foundation has supported events, festivals--including the Humana Festival of New American Plays--and other causes. The Foundation's focus is improving long-term community health. has donated more than $250 million to nonprofit organizations and social institutions.
  • Humana Inc.'s offerings includes retail, employer group, and healthcare services. They sell retail items to individuals, products and plans to employer groups, and control businesses which offer various health-related services.
  • Before the planned sale, Humana had an estimated $32-billion market value. That places as one of the county's largest health care companies, though smaller than Aetna ($41 billion) . Humana has reportedly been in talks with potential buyers recently.
  • Some analysts predict that if Humana were a part of a larger company,it could negotiate better doctor contracts and create a stronger network of providers.

Earlier: Aetna to Buy Louisville-Based Humana For $37 Billion

We'll have more coverage of Aetna-Humana deal later today.

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