Health insurance company Medical Mutual of Ohio has acquired Premier Health Systems, a statewide preferred provider organization network headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, US.

Premier Health Systems (PHS) was owned by Sisters of Charity Providence Hospitals and Palmetto Health.

According to Medical Mutual of Ohio, the acquisition expands its presence in South Carolina after the purchase last year of Carolina Care Plan, a Columbia-based health plan that serves approximately 55,000 members.

Kent Clapp, CEO of Medical Mutual, said: With the ownership of PHS, Medical Mutual keeps its momentum going in the southeast portion of the country and increases the growth of our business. The purchase also aids in the expansion of our other subsidiaries, Consumers Life Insurance Company and 1st Medical Network, in nearby Georgia due to cross-border business.