LAKE FOREST, Calif., Oct. 14, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apria Healthcare Group Inc. and Blue Shield of California jointly announced today a long-term primary preferred provider agreement in which Apria will provide home oxygen therapy, respiratory and medical equipment services and products to Blue Shield's members in most of its California markets. The primary preferred provider agreement covers Blue Shield's members who are enrolled in the Commercial Benefit and Medicare Advantage Benefit Programs, and includes home oxygen therapy, high-tech ventilator services and continuous positive and bi-level airway pressure systems (CPAP/Bi-level) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The agreement also includes ambulatory aids, patient room equipment and all of the accompanying clinical, patient support, and delivery services offered by Apria and its 2,300 employees statewide.

"We are pleased to be able to expand our longstanding relationship with Blue Shield of California and provide high quality homecare services to the health plan's 3.4 million members throughout the state," said Lisa E. Swenson, Apria's Senior Vice President of Payor Arrangements and Pricing. "With over 30 years of experience in California, Apria's 49 respiratory and medical equipment branch locations in the state offer Blue Shield's members expanded access to consistent, quality home respiratory and medical equipment services. Our strength is in the quality of care we provide, our statewide service and positive relationships with Blue Shield's clinical staff and participating physician groups, coupled with our ability to meet Blue Shield's quality and service performance expectations. Together, we look forward to enhancing the homecare experience for the patients we serve, while providing a cost effective and personal alternative to healthcare in an institutional setting. Over the next few months, Apria will work diligently with Blue Shield to make sure that Blue Shield members enjoy a smooth transition to Apria's homecare services and products, when appropriate."

"At Blue Shield of California, our mission is to provide Californians with access to high-quality, affordable healthcare," said Juan Davila, Senior Vice President of Network Management at Blue Shield. "We selected Apria as our primary preferred provider for home medical equipment and respiratory services because of their ability to provide our members with the services, products and ongoing support they want -- all at a reasonable price."

About Apria Healthcare Group Inc.

Apria Healthcare provides home infusion therapy, home respiratory therapy and home medical equipment through approximately 500 locations serving patients in all 50 states.