UnitedHealth GroupThe company is investing $5.4 billion in home healthcare to explore more with the purchase of LHC Group.

According to the health-care giant, it will pay $170 each for LHC stock shares in an agreement expected to be completed later this year.

UnitedHealth, the largest national health insurance provider, will add LHC Group as a business unit to Optum Health, its Optum Health division. This group operates surgery centers and primary care clinics.

In recent years, health insurers as well as other payers have emphasized home-based healthcare more than expensive hospital stays or care centers.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for new updates.