Independent Living Systems Expands Community and Industry Engagement Across Florida and Nationwide
Miami (August 2026) – Independent Living Systems (ILS), along with its health plan subsidiaries Florida Community Care (FCC) and Florida Complete Care (FC2), expanded its community and industry engagement this summer through participation in conferences, sponsorships, advocacy events and community gatherings across Florida and the nation.
From aging services and long-term care to disability advocacy and community support, ILS teams connected with healthcare providers, policymakers, caregivers, advocates, families and industry leaders committed to improving health outcomes and quality of life for vulnerable populations.
“Meaningful progress in healthcare happens when we come together, share knowledge and listen to the people and communities we serve,” said Nestor Plana, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Independent Living Systems. “Throughout the summer, these events provided valuable opportunities to connect with partners, share expertise and contribute to important discussions focused on expanding access, improving quality and strengthening support systems for older adults, individuals with disabilities and their families.”
Summer engagement around Florida includes:
- 28th Annual Family Café: 28th Annual Family Café: ILS participated in the 28th Annual Family Café, which brings together self-advocates, caregivers, community organizations, service providers and policymakers to share resources and promote independence. As an Executive Chef Sponsor, ILS had dozens of associates engaging directly with attendees, sponsored Club Café, and hosted a town hall discussion with officials from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) on the state’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Comprehensive Managed Care (ICMC) program. As the sole managed care plan selected to administer ICMC, Florida Community Care helped individuals and families better understand this new model of coordinated care and support services.
- Florida Assisted Living Association Annual Conference & Trade Show: FCC and FC2 served as Title Sponsors of this premiere event which brings together assisted living owners, operators, administrators, caregivers and business partners from throughout Florida. The team partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association to present an educational session focused on recognizing and responding to dementia in assisted living communities, helping providers strengthen support for residents living with cognitive impairment. As Florida’s largest Long-Term Care health plan, FCC’s participation reinforced its commitment to supporting assisted living providers and improving care for older adults across the state.
- Florida Health Care Association Annual Conference: FCC and FC2 participated as Platinum Sponsors of the Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) Annual Conference, one of Florida’s leading events for skilled nursing, rehabilitation and long-term care professionals. ILS leaders presented an educational session on hospice services and the important role end-of-life care plays in supporting residents, families and healthcare providers.
- Florida Conference on Aging: FCC participated as a Silver Sponsor of the Florida Conference on Aging, connecting with professionals, advocates, service providers and community organizations dedicated to improving quality of life for older adults. ILS representatives also shared expertise on hospice care and the role coordinated, compassionate services can play in supporting individuals and families throughout the aging journey. For nearly 25 years, ILS has focused on helping older adults remain independent and connected to their communities for as long as possible.
- Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games: ILS continued its support of individuals with intellectual disabilities through sponsorship of the Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games, which celebrates athletes from across the state while promoting inclusion, achievement and community participation. The sponsorship reflects ILS’s broader commitment to supporting organizations that create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to thrive and remain engaged in their communities.
ILS also participated in regional and national events to connect with advocates, providers and community partners, share expertise, and advance solutions that support vulnerable communities. Those conferences included:
- NASDDDS Annual Federal Policy Symposium: ILS participated in the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) Annual Federal Policy Symposium in Washington, D.C. Through its sponsorship and participation, ILS supported discussions among state leaders, policymakers, advocates and other stakeholders focused on federal policy, innovation and strategies to improve services and outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- USAging Annual Conference & Tradeshow: ILS served as a Diamond Sponsor of the USAging Annual Conference & Tradeshow in San Diego, a premier national gathering for organizations supporting older adults and caregivers through home- and community-based services. In addition to its exhibit presence, ILS hosted a Hot Topic session, sharing expertise and fostering discussion about a successful collaboration between two Florida AAAs, a managed care organization and a health system.
- LeadingAge 63rd Annual Convention: ILS participated as a sponsor and exhibitor at the LeadingAge 63rd Annual Convention, engaging with professionals from across the aging-services continuum, including senior housing providers, long-term care organizations, healthcare leaders and community-based service providers. The event provided another opportunity for ILS to exchange ideas and strengthen relationships with organizations focused on helping older adults live healthy, independent and fulfilling lives.
“Community engagement is not separate from our mission — it is an important part of how we fulfill it,” Plana said. “When we listen, collaborate and build strong relationships, we are better positioned to understand the needs of the people we serve and develop solutions that improve health, independence and quality of life.”
About Independent Living Systems
Independent Living Systems (ILS) is a Miami-based healthcare services company and the largest Latino-owned healthcare company in the United States. ILS and its subsidiaries — Florida Community Care and Florida Complete Care — provide comprehensive, person-centered managed care solutions for Medicare, Medicaid, and Dual-Eligible populations, with a focus on vulnerable communities.
