Insurer makes bold moves to stay ahead of systemic change

AmeriLife, a health insurance, benefits and retirement planning firm based in Clearwater, isn’t yet as big as companies like WellCare and UnitedHealthcare — both of which have a large presence in the region. But thanks to a new round of investment, it’s well on its way.

The company’s new backer is Thomas H. Lee Partners, a prominent private equity firm that acquired a controlling stake in AmeriLife from venture capital outfit J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC.