ILS Named Top Latino-Owned Healthcare Firm, Dominates Florida Market

MIAMI, FL – April 02, 2026 – Independent Living Systems (ILS) has been recognized as the largest Latino-owned healthcare company in the United States for the second consecutive year, a landmark achievement that highlights the growing economic power and influence of Latino entrepreneurship in vital sectors. The Miami-based healthcare provider also climbed to No. 17 among all Latino-owned businesses nationwide in the newly released Latino Leaders Index 500, a prestigious annual ranking powered by BMO.

The recognition comes as ILS continues a period of aggressive strategic expansion, particularly within Florida's complex managed care landscape. The company's success is built on a model focused on improving outcomes for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and individuals with disabilities.

“We are honored to once again be recognized as the nation’s largest Latino-owned healthcare company,” said Nestor Plana, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Independent Living Systems. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our team and our shared commitment to delivering person-centered, comprehensive health and social care that improves the lives of the vulnerable populations we serve.”

A New Benchmark in Healthcare Leadership

The Latino Leaders Index 500, which expanded in recent years to provide a broader view of Latino business leadership, ranks companies based on revenue. ILS's consistent top-tier placement, advancing from No. 18 in 2024, underscores its significant financial growth, with some estimates placing its annual revenue between $191 million and $500 million. Reports indicate the company more than doubled its revenue in the four years leading up to July 2025.

This achievement is particularly significant given the systemic challenges minority-owned businesses face in the healthcare industry. Despite minorities representing a large portion of the patient population, they remain underrepresented in executive leadership roles. Furthermore, minority-owned enterprises often encounter significant barriers in accessing capital and government contracts. ILS's success not only breaks through these barriers but also sets a new standard, showcasing the immense potential and impact of diverse leadership in fostering culturally competent care and driving economic growth. The company's model stands in contrast to a landscape where competitors include major players like Molina Healthcare and innovative digital platforms such as Hinge Health and Zócalo Health.

Strategic Dominance in Florida's Evolving Market

Beyond the national rankings, ILS's most profound impact is felt in Florida, where its subsidiaries are reshaping the delivery of state-managed healthcare. Its primary health plan, Florida Community Care (FCC), has become the state's second-largest Long-Term Care (LTC) Medicaid plan, doubling its enrollment in under two years to serve more than 40,000 members statewide.

A pivotal moment for the company came when the state selected FCC as the sole health plan to operate Florida’s new Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Comprehensive Managed Care (ICMC) program. Launched statewide in late 2025, the ICMC program aims to integrate medical, behavioral, and long-term support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities under a single, streamlined system. This exclusive contract positions ILS at the center of a major state healthcare initiative, making it responsible for coordinating care for a highly vulnerable population across all 67 counties.

The program offers a unified approach, assigning each participant a dedicated care coordinator from FCC to navigate a complex system of services. It promises to address significant waitlists for care—with over 21,000 individuals on the iBudget Waiver waiting list as of May 2025—by creating a new pathway to access comprehensive support. However, the rollout is not without its challenges. State officials and FCC have acknowledged operational bottlenecks, including the need to expand provider networks and address backlogs in Medicaid eligibility determinations. Advocacy groups continue to push for improvements, particularly in areas like dental coverage, highlighting the delicate balance between rapid expansion and ensuring quality of care during the transition.

Redefining Care for Vulnerable Populations

At the core of ILS's business strategy is its 'person-centered care' model. This philosophy is more than a corporate buzzword; it is a framework validated by multiple accreditations from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Since 2017, ILS has maintained NCQA accreditation for Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Care Management, a testament to its adherence to nationally recognized standards that prioritize individual choice and planning. The company's approach emphasizes holistic assessments and the development of individualized care plans that empower members to be the primary decision-makers in their health journey.

This commitment to quality outcomes is reflected in the performance of its subsidiaries. All Florida Home Health, an ILS company, previously achieved a 4.5-star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), placing it in the top 20% of home health agencies nationwide. Meanwhile, its other health plan, Florida Complete Care (FC2), operates as a specialized Medicare Advantage plan for individuals with complex needs in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

Building on this foundation, ILS is further expanding its integrated continuum of care. The company is poised to launch Independent Living Hospice after securing a Certificate of Need from Miami-Dade County. This new service extends the company's person-centered philosophy to end-of-life care, offering compassionate, home- and community-based palliative support that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.