pacificare

PacifiCare, or PacifiCare Health Systems, was a United States–based managed care company that operated health plans, provider networks, and related services. The company offered health maintenance organization (HMO) and preferred provider organization (PPO) products to individuals, employers, and government programs, with a focus on California and other western states.

PacifiCare originated in the 1970s as a regional managed care organization and grew into a multi-state network. It built a portfolio of plans and affiliated medical groups, providing a range of administrative and clinical services to members and contracted providers. The PacifiCare brand encompassed multiple health plans and medical groups under the umbrella of PacifiCare Health Systems.

Acquisition and integration: In 2005, UnitedHealth Group announced its intention to acquire PacifiCare Health Systems in a deal valued at several billion dollars; the transaction closed the following year. After the acquisition, PacifiCare's operations were folded into UnitedHealthcare, and the PacifiCare brand was gradually retired as plans and networks were rebranded.

Impact: The acquisition expanded UnitedHealth's footprint in California and other markets and contributed to broader consolidation trends in the U.S. managed care industry. Today, PacifiCare is primarily referenced in historical contexts and legacy records, as its plans and networks have largely been integrated into UnitedHealthcare.