PacifiCare Health Systems
Former American health insurance provider
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
PacifiCare Health Systems, Inc. was a provider of health insurance based in Cypress, California. It was acquired by UnitedHealth Group in 2005.
| |
| Industry | Health insurance |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1983 |
| Founder | Samuel J. Tibbitts |
| Defunct | December 21, 2005 |
| Fate | Acquired by UnitedHealth Group |
| Headquarters | Cypress, California |
Number of employees | 7,500 |
History
The predecessor of the company was founded in 1978 by Samuel J. Tibbitts as a subsidiary of the Lutheran Hospital Society of Southern California.[1] PacifiCare was incorporated in 1983.[2]
In 1985, PacifiCare of Oregon was created.[3] In 1993, Alan Hoops replaced Terry Hartshorn as president and CEO.[4] The company also acquired Freedom Plan, California Dental Health Plan, and Advantage Health Plans.[5] In 1996, it acquired FHP.[6]
In December 2005, the company was acquired by UnitedHealth Group.[7][8] At that time, the company had 705,000 Medicare enrollees.[9]
The company continued to market health plans under the PacifiCare and SecureHorizons names until 2011, when it changed to the UnitedHealthcare name.[10][11][12]
Sponsorship and philanthropy
The company sponsored Newman/Haas Racing for the 2003 CART season, the 2004 Champ Car season, and the 2005 Champ Car season and donated to support The Painted Turtle.[13][14] It was replaced as a sponsor in 2006.[15]