Elevance Health to Acquire Paragon Healthcare

Rhea-AI Summary

Elevance Health (NYSE: ELV) announced the acquisition of Paragon Healthcare, Inc., specializing in infusible and injectable therapies. Paragon Healthcare provides infusion services through ambulatory infusion centers, home infusion pharmacies, and other specialty pharmacy services. The acquisition aims to provide affordable, convenient access to specialty medications and services for patients with chronic and complex illnesses. Paragon Healthcare serves over 35,000 patients across 8 states and will operate as part of CarelonRx, Elevance Health's health services division. The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2024 and is not expected to have a material impact on adjusted earnings per share in 2024.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The acquisition of Paragon Healthcare by Elevance Health represents a strategic move to strengthen Elevance's position in the healthcare services industry, specifically within the multi-site infusion services and specialty pharmacy sectors. This expansion is indicative of a broader industry trend where companies are seeking to provide integrated healthcare services that address both the delivery and cost-effectiveness of patient care. By acquiring a company with an established network of ambulatory infusion centers and home infusion pharmacies, Elevance Health is likely aiming to enhance its service offerings and patient reach.

From a market perspective, the move could potentially enable Elevance Health to achieve economies of scale, improve bargaining power with suppliers and offer more comprehensive care solutions to its members. The focus on omnichannel healthcare delivery models reflects a response to consumer demand for more accessible and flexible healthcare options, which has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the emphasis on chronic and complex illnesses aligns with demographic trends, such as an aging population, that are expected to drive healthcare demand in the coming years.

Healthcare Policy Expert

The acquisition underscores the importance of healthcare accessibility and the ongoing shift towards patient-centric care models. By expanding the geographical footprint and operations of Paragon Healthcare, Elevance Health is positioning itself to better meet the needs of patients with chronic and acute conditions. This move has potential policy implications, as it could influence the ongoing discussions around healthcare reform, particularly in terms of cost containment and the reduction of barriers to care.

Furthermore, the integration of medical and pharmacy data to deliver proactive, whole health insights is in line with current policy initiatives aimed at improving healthcare outcomes through data-driven decision making. This could have implications for future regulations and standards regarding data sharing and interoperability within the healthcare sector. The commitment to maintaining a high level of customer service could also set a benchmark for other players in the industry, potentially influencing patient satisfaction metrics that are increasingly tied to reimbursement rates.

Financial Analyst

The announcement that the acquisition is not expected to have a material impact on adjusted earnings per share in 2024 suggests a cautious approach to financial integration and forecasting. Investors should consider the long-term financial implications of the acquisition, such as the potential for revenue growth from expanded services and increased market share. However, they should also be aware of the costs associated with integrating the two companies and the investments required to expand Paragon Healthcare's operations.

It is also important to monitor the execution of the integration process post-acquisition, as successful mergers and acquisitions depend on effective synergy realization and minimal disruption to existing operations. The ability of Elevance Health to leverage Paragon's capabilities to provide differentiated and cost-effective services could be a key driver of future profitability and competitive advantage in the healthcare market.

Advances whole health by strengthening Elevance Health's capabilities in multi-site infusion services, specialty pharmacy

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Elevance Health (NYSE: ELV) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Paragon Healthcare, Inc., a company specializing in life-saving and life-giving infusible and injectable therapies.

For more than 20 years, Paragon Healthcare has provided infusion services to patients through its omnichannel model of ambulatory infusion centers, home infusion pharmacies, and other specialty pharmacy services. The company, headquartered in Plano, Texas, provides high quality and convenient care to patients with a broad range of chronic and acute conditions.

“The acquisition of Paragon Healthcare will deepen our capabilities around providing affordable, convenient access to specialty medications and best-in-class services for our members living with chronic and complex illnesses,” said Pete Haytaian, Executive Vice President, Elevance Health and President, Carelon. “Together, Elevance Health and Paragon Healthcare will have the ability to provide members with greater choice on the most appropriate site of care options, such as ambulatory or in-home locations, which will remove barriers to care and better support members’ whole health.”

Paragon Healthcare serves more than 35,000 patients at over 40 ambulatory infusion centers across 8 states as well as patients’ homes. The company helps treat more than 300 health conditions with 24/7 on-call support. Following the acquisition, Elevance Health will look to expand Paragon Healthcare’s geographical footprint and operations while bolstering its therapeutic coverage. Elevance Health will also remain committed to the company’s leading customer service approach.

Once integrated, Paragon Healthcare patients who receive both medical and pharmacy benefits from Elevance Health’s subsidiaries will benefit from the company’s ability to leverage medical and pharmacy data to deliver proactive, whole health insights.

After the acquisition closes, Paragon Healthcare will operate as part of CarelonRx, the pharmacy services segment within Carelon, Elevance Health’s health services division.

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the first half of 2024; it is not expected to have a material impact on adjusted earnings per share in 2024.

About Elevance Health, Inc.

Elevance Health is a lifetime, trusted health partner fueled by its purpose to improve the health of humanity. The company supports consumers, families, and communities across the entire care journey – connecting them to the care, support, and resources they need to lead healthier lives. Elevance Health’s companies serve approximately 117 million people through a diverse portfolio of industry-leading medical, digital, pharmacy, behavioral, clinical, and complex care solutions. For more information, please visit www.elevancehealth.com or follow us @ElevanceHealth on Twitter and Elevance Health on LinkedIn.

About Paragon Healthcare, Inc.

Founded in 2002, Paragon Healthcare, Inc. is a leading provider of infusion services to patients through its network of ambulatory infusion centers, home infusion pharmacies, and other specialty pharmacy services. The company provides high quality, convenient, comfortable, and lower cost care to patients with chronic and acute conditions. Paragon is based in Texas, and operates locations in the following states: Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. For more information visit www.paragonhealthcare.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect our views about future events and financial performance and are generally not historical facts. Words such as “expect,” “feel,” “believe,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast,” “plan” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to: financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions; statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future operations, products and services; and statements regarding future performance. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof. You are also urged to carefully review and consider the various risks and other disclosures discussed in our reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, which attempt to advise interested parties of the factors that affect our business. Except to the extent required by law, we do not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: trends in healthcare costs and utilization rates; reduced enrollment; our ability to secure and implement sufficient premium rates; the impact of large scale medical emergencies, such as public health epidemics and pandemics, including COVID-19, and other catastrophes; the impact of new or changes in existing federal, state and international laws or regulations, including healthcare laws and regulations, or their enforcement or application; the impact of cyber-attacks or other privacy or data security incidents or breaches or our failure to comply with any privacy or security laws or regulations, including any investigations, claims or litigation related thereto; information technology disruptions; changes in economic and market conditions, as well as regulations that may negatively affect our liquidity and investment portfolios; competitive pressures and our ability to adapt to changes in the industry and develop and implement strategic growth opportunities; risks and uncertainties regarding Medicare and Medicaid programs, including those related to non-compliance with the complex regulations imposed thereon; our ability to maintain and achieve improvement in Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Star ratings and other quality scores and funding risks with respect to revenue received from participation therein; a negative change in our healthcare product mix; costs and other liabilities associated with litigation, government investigations, audits or reviews; our ability to contract with providers on cost-effective and competitive terms; failure to effectively maintain and modernize our information systems; risks associated with providing pharmacy, healthcare and other diversified products and services, including medical malpractice or professional liability claims and non-compliance by any party with the pharmacy services agreement between us and CaremarkPCS Health, L.L.C.; risks associated with mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances; possible impairment of the value of our intangible assets if future results do not adequately support goodwill and other intangible assets; possible restrictions in the payment of dividends from our subsidiaries and increases in required minimum levels of capital; our ability to repurchase shares of our common stock and pay dividends on our common stock due to the adequacy of our cash flow and earnings and other considerations; the potential negative effect from our substantial amount of outstanding indebtedness and the risk that increased interest rates or market volatility could impact our access to or further increase the cost of financing; a downgrade in our financial strength ratings; the effects of any negative publicity related to the health benefits industry in general or us in particular; events that may negatively affect our licenses with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association; intense competition to attract and retain employees; risks associated with our international operations; and various laws and provisions in our governing documents that may prevent or discourage takeovers and business combinations.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240103797244/en/

Media Contact:

Leslie Porras

Leslie.Porras@elevancehealth.com

Investor Relations:

Stephen Tanal

Stephen.Tanal@elevancehealth.com

Source: Elevance Health, Inc.

FAQ

What is the recent announcement from Elevance Health?

Elevance Health (NYSE: ELV) announced the acquisition of Paragon Healthcare, Inc., specializing in infusible and injectable therapies.

What does Paragon Healthcare specialize in?

Paragon Healthcare specializes in life-saving and life-giving infusible and injectable therapies.

How many patients does Paragon Healthcare serve?

Paragon Healthcare serves more than 35,000 patients across 8 states.

When is the acquisition expected to close?

The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2024.

What impact is the acquisition expected to have on adjusted earnings per share in 2024?

The acquisition is not expected to have a material impact on adjusted earnings per share in 2024.