Humana Acquires In-Home Care Provider SeniorBridge

Humana Inc. announced last week that it has signed an agreement to acquire SeniorBridge, a New York-based provider of in-home care for seniors. Terms were not disclosed, and the giant insurer said the acquisition was part of a strategy to prevent hospitalizations and emergency room visits.

“SeniorBridge fills a growing market need and is consistent with Humana’s focus on delivering clinical care for seniors in their homes,” Michael B. McCallister, Humana’s chairman and CEO, said in a prepared release. “Acquiring SeniorBridge will immediately expand Humana’s existing clinical capabilities with the addition of SeniorBridge’s national network of 1,500 care managers.”

SeniorBridge was founded in 2000, and manages complex chronic care for seniors across the U.S. The company now focuses on private-pay customers, but Humana said it intends to seek appropriate certification for SeniorBridge as a Medicare provider.

“With SeniorBridge services available for Humana members in the years ahead, Humana will enable more seniors to stay in their homes while spending less for their overall care,” Paul Kusserow, Humana’s chief strategy and corporate development officer, said. “The acquisition will also increase Humana’s clinical knowledge and strengthen the company’s offerings for members with complex chronic-care needs – expanding the continuum of care options for its sickest members.”

Later in the week, Humana announced it had also acquired Anvita Health, a San Diego-based health care analytics company. Terms were not disclosed.

Anvita Health, founded in 2000, analyzes health data from a wide variety of sources to help companies with quality and cost control.