Coventry Health Care has announced the completion of its acquisition of Preferred Health Systems, a move that will expand its presence in the Midwest.

The Bethesda, Md.-based health insurer said in a statement that the transaction is expected to be neutral to earnings for this year. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Originally announced in October 2009, the deal will enter Coventry into a long-term provider and customer relationship with Via Christi Health System and its affiliates.

Via Christi Health System is the largest provider of healthcare services in Kansas, according to the company, serving Kansas and northeast Oklahoma through 10 medical centers, 12 senior services communities and programs and home-based and outpatient services.