From UnitedHealth's purchase of LHC to expanded in-home provider networks, here are five recent payer investments in home care services:
UnitedHealth Group purchases LHC Group: UHC's Optum announced the $5.4 billion purchase of the Lafayette, La.-based home health firm in March. The merger will strengthen the ability of LHC's 30,000 employees in 37 states to provide value-based care within patients' homes.
Florida Blue Medicare partners with Emcara Health: The health plan partnered with Franklin, Tenn.-based Emcara Health in March to offer house calls from primary care providers to members in 17 Florida counties. Services will include exams, tests, vaccinations and imaging.
Humana rebrands Kindred at Home: The payer integrated Kindred at Home into CenterWell Home Health in March after acquiring the in-home care provider for $5.7 billion in August 2021. The move rebranded Kindred at Home locations in seven states.
Independent Blue Cross adds Patina Medical Group: The payer added Bala Cynwyd, Pa.-based Patina Medical Group to its Medicare Advantage provider network in February. Patina provides virtual and in-home care primarily to patients 65 years and older.
Aetna partners with DocGo: Aetna partnered with DocGo in January to provide 2.5 million members in New York and New Jersey access to the New York City-based mobile at-home provider through a multiyear agreement. Aetna's Medicare Advantage and commercial members can access at-home care, including episodic and emergency care.