Independent Living Systems adds HME to ‘cross opportunities’ 

MIAMI - Independent Living Systems recently became a licensed HME provider, making it the new kid on the block, but it’s no stranger to the neighborhood.  

Independent Living Systems will offer a wide range of HME, including wheelchairs, hospital beds, mobility aids and incontinence supplies, and has brought in Nelson Vegas, who has more than 20 years of experience in HME, to lead the effort as operations manager. 

“It goes hand-in-hand with some of the other services we provide with a goal of creating a one-stop shop for clients,” said Nestor Plana, chairman and CEO.  

For more than two decades, Independent Living Systems has provided a comprehensive range of turnkey payer services, including clinical and third-party administrative services to managed care organizations and providers serving high-cost, complex member populations in the Medicare, Medicaid and dual-eligible market. 

The company also owns and operates Florida Community Care, a statewide Medicaid long-term care provider service network, and Florida Complete Care, a Medicare Advantage special needs plan for people with complex health issues that require more coordinated and comprehensive care, as well as serves as a home health agency and a nationwide home delivery meals agency. 

“There are a number of cross opportunities for our clients, especially since we offer a number of different services,” said Plana. “For example, we can have a client who receives food from ILS Meals, incontinence supplies from our DME services and domestic help from our home health services. That would give our clients a seamless array of services to help them age in place longer and more comfortably.” 

As Independent Living Systems’ home health workers are sometimes already in the home, the company is uniquely positioned to anticipate any HME needs clients may have, before it becomes an issue, says Plana. 

“We can act faster and more efficiently, so that our clients don’t have to call multiple companies for services,” he said.