Zing Health Enterprises, a physician-founded-and-led provider of Medicare Advantage health plans, has signed definitive documents to acquire Lasso Healthcare Insurance Co. Zing expects the acquisition will help it reach diverse communities with Medicare Advantage health plans that lower the cost of high-quality care.

The planned acquisition broadens Zing Health’s geographic footprint while offering a service for Medicare-eligible seniors in rural areas who may have a difficult time accessing a traditional provider network.

“Zing Health was founded with the idea that incumbent Medicare Advantage insurers have neglected certain segments of the senior population. Similarly, Lasso Healthcare has developed MA products that benefit underserved rural populations,” said Zing Health Founder and CEO Eric E. Whitaker. “Lasso’s rural focus is a perfect complement to Zing’s focus on diverse populations in urban communities.”

“We are excited to work with Zing Health’s innovative and seasoned leadership,” said Craig Ritter, CEO of Lasso Healthcare. “Their approach to developing high quality, member-centric Medicare Advantage insurance products mirrors our own. Our teams look forward to building a nationally impactful company together.”