Businessman shaking hand with business partner investment for success plan

A new joint venture between LHC Group and the University of Maryland Medical System will help the home care giant expand its footprint into a large portion of that state. Under the agreement with UMMS, LHC Group will provide enhanced in-home healthcare services to patients in 20 Maryland counties, including the city of Baltimore and the greater metropolitan area.

“Joining forces in Maryland with such an accomplished and respected health institution like UMMS is a great opportunity,” LHC Group Chairman and CEO Keith Myers said in a statement. “Together, we will expand the availability of vital healthcare services in the place patients want it most — the comfort of their own home. With our combined experience and infrastructure, we will be able to offer more families and patients the high-quality, efficient and effective in-home healthcare they deserve.” 

The joint venture is expected to be finalized in the fourth quarter of this year, at which time LHC Group will buy a majority stake and assume management responsibility in the joint venture. The company expects the new entity will add approximately $4.8 million in revenue annually.

The partnership with UMMS is the second one LHC Group has inked this year. In May, the LaFayette, LA-based firm finalized a joint venture with Thomasville, GA-based Archbold Medical Center. LHC Group also purchased a majority ownership and took over management of operations of that joint venture. 

LHC Group is expected to become a wholly owned unit of UnitedHealth Group before the end of the year. UnitedHealth’s Optum division announced last spring the acquisition of the home health firm for $5.4 billion. 

LHC Group provides home care, home health and hospice services in 37 states and the District of Columbia.