Marathon Health, a leading provider of advanced primary care for employers and labor organizations across the U.S., today announced the expansion of its network in the Detroit metropolitan area. Convenient to where members live and work, four health centers will deliver affordable access to primary care, mental health and preventive services across Southeast Michigan.
The expansion comes as Michigan communities face increasing barriers to timely primary care driven by provider shortages and rising costs. Marathon Health works directly with employers, labor unions and the public sector to counter these challenges. Through its network health centers, Marathon offers access to advanced primary care without the associated capital investment of traditional onsite clinics.
Anchored by an existing health center in Novi, the network expansion includes a new location in Sterling Heights with health centers in Pontiac and Taylor opening later this year. In 2014, based on the vision of their consultant Manquen Vance (a Gallagher company), early adopters of the employer health center concept included the city’s of Madison Heights, Royal Oak, Ferndale, Hazel Park and Oak Park. These five cities formed a coalition under the Urban Cooperation Act with the idea of banding together to better deliver healthcare to their employees while providing dramatic savings to the cities. The coalition formed was branded MiLife and a center was opened on the City of Madison Heights campus. Recently, the MiLife cities were joined by the addition of other partners in Southeast Michigan representing about 15,000 lives which includes Oakland County, UA Local 98, and UA Local 636.
The Detroit network health centers will include same or next-day access to primary care, mental health, chronic disease management, physical therapy and more with low out-of-pocket costs. As more organizations join, the network will expand over time with additional health centers, a richer array of services and the value of better care closer to more members.
With Marathon, plan sponsors pay a predictable monthly fee to provide employees and their families with direct access to health centers as part of their benefits, alongside traditional health insurance. The model emphasizes longer visits, preventive care and integrated services to avoid unnecessary emergency department visits or specialist referrals. In a recent claims-based study, Marathon reports average annual savings of $1,100 per engaged member.
“We are excited to expand in the Detroit region and partner with local organizations to improve access to healthcare and wellness services,” shared Chris Pricco, Chief Executive Officer, Marathon Health. “We’re especially grateful to our early Detroit-area partners — Oakland County, Local 98, Local 636 and MiLife — whose collaboration helped build momentum for this expansion. This growth highlights the increasing interest in healthcare models that deliver better outcomes at lower costs compared to traditional insurance-driven systems. It’s a win-win for everyone, especially as communities across the U.S. continue to face healthcare workforce shortages and rising costs.”
Marathon Health provides advanced primary care to more than 3 million eligible members nationwide. Founded in 2001, Marathon’s footprint has expanded to more than 1,600 providers at 720 health centers in 41 states, with virtual care access available nationwide. Their advanced primary care network includes over 100 health centers nationwide.
“Oakland County is committed to supporting the health and well-being of our employees and their families, and access to high-quality, affordable healthcare is a critical part of that commitment,” said Dave Coulter, Oakland County Executive. “Our partnership with Marathon Health helps bring primary care, mental health services and preventive care closer and more accessible to our employees. We’re proud to be part of an innovative approach that prioritizes healthier communities while helping address the growing challenges in healthcare access across Southeast Michigan.”
About Marathon Health
Marathon Health is a leading advanced primary care provider, partnering with employer and union plan sponsors to improve health for millions of Americans. With nationwide onsite, nearsite, and network health centers, and virtual primary care, Marathon delivers a value-based model that enhances the healthcare experience for members and providers, while driving meaningful cost savings for plan sponsors. Learn more at Marathon Health’s website: https://marathon.health.
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