Financial incentives are one of a number of tools employers can use during a merger or acquisition.

But, as in the House bill, states could receive waivers of some of Obamacare’s consumer protections including provision of 'essential health benefits.'

Humana, in particular, is seen by analysts as an attractive takeover target because of its focus.

The companies came to a mutual agreement to terminate the deal, and Aetna will pay Humana a $1 billion breakup fee, or about $630 million after taxes.

After 18 months of courtship and court cases, two massive deals that would have reshaped the U.S. health insurance industry have both been declared dead, blocked by judges who said they’d do unacceptable harm to competition in the industry.

Nearly 450 recorded deals were made in the U.S. and Canada, with employee benefit agencies accounting for 20%.

The transaction would violate antitrust laws by reducing competition among insurers, U.S. District Judge John D. Bates in Washington ruled on Monday.

Rob Lieblein, chief development officer of the now 7th largest employee benefit firm in the nation, shares company growth plans.

The takeover is a bet that amid all the uncertainty surrounding the health-care industry right now, one thing will remain paramount: the need to keep expenses down, writes Bloomberg Gadfly Columnist Brooke Sutherland.

Decision-support tool acquires wellness provider as employers look for all-in-one technology solutions.