Apria Healthcare to Supply Minnesota HMO Operator

Apria Healthcare Group Inc., a Costa Mesa home health care company, said it has signed an agreement to become national supplier of home respiratory therapy and medical equipment for the 3.8 million members of United HealthCare Corp.’s 21 health care plans. Minneapolis-based United HealthCare operates health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations and other medical services. Apria is the new name of the merged Orange County health care companies Abbey Healthcare and Homedco. The two companies were suppliers to United HealthCare before their merger.