Marathon Health Announces Expansion of Industry-Leading Advanced Primary Care into Five New Metropolitan Regions

Marathon Health offers one of the largest advanced primary care networks in the U.S., with 1,600 providers and 720 health centers for over 3 million people across 41 states

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Marathon Health, a leading provider of advanced primary care for employers and labor organizations across the U.S., today announced an expansion of its open-access care centers and services to Detroit, Kansas City, Raleigh-Durham, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. This move continues Marathon Health’s focus on bringing best-in-class primary care to geographies especially challenged by access, supply, quality, and affordability.

Health care costs are rising while access to quality primary care continues to decline. Employers and labor groups are in a tough spot — forced to trim benefits, compress compensation, or further shift the cost burden to their people. In fact, 51% of employers expect to pass on costs in 2026, up from 45% in 2025.¹ Employers are looking for another option, one that enables direct and substantive influence over clinical and financial outcomes.

At the same time, standing up a dedicated nearsite or onsite clinic can be cost prohibitive for many employers. Further, to best reach distributed or hybrid workforces as well as dependents, alternative access models may be required. Marathon’s unique open-access network — and its expansion — allow more employers and employees to opt into same-day or next-day access to in-person and virtual care, including primary care, chronic condition management, pharmacy, behavioral health, health coaching, labs, and more. The expansion will grow Marathon’s open-access network from more than 100 sites to at least 115 sites over 2026 and 2027.

“Organizations are increasingly turning to advanced primary care to improve care for their employees and yield long-term savings — 76% of at-risk purchasers currently offer an advanced primary care model or are considering adoption within the next one to three years,”² said Dr. Nirav Vakharia, chief operating officer at Marathon Health. “While interest reaches new levels, the evidence goes back decades. Strong primary care leads to better clinical outcomes, less unnecessary utilization, and lower costs.”

Marathon’s APC Model Proven to Drive Improved Health Outcomes and Lower Total Cost of Care

APC is a health care benefit that operates outside of, and goes beyond, traditional coverage and care. It provides fast and comprehensive access to health and well-being support. Up to 90% of care needs are covered. Employers pay a per-member, per-month fee, and members access care at little to no cost. According to this ROI study, under the Marathon Health model, APC pays for itself in one year, and engaged members have 41% fewer inpatient admissions and 31% fewer urgent care visits. Importantly, it’s a model that ensures providers have the time and tools to deliver proactive, personalized care and build trusted and long-term patient relationships.

“We wanted better health care for our employees and their families, and Marathon Health helped us deliver it. It’s not just high-quality care — it’s human-first care that makes it easy for our employees to get the support they need. I hope more employers consider the model for their teams. When our people are well supported, we’re better able to serve our mission and help our community thrive.” — Jana Goolsby, wellbeing program manager at City of Olathe, Kansas

Last year was Marathon Health’s most successful year yet. The company had more than 95% of clients renew, opened 83 new health centers, and grew to 3,300 employees nationwide.

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 health care experience for members and providers, while driving meaningful cost savings for plan sponsors. Learn more at Marathon Health’s website: https://marathon.health.

¹ “Survey on health & benefit strategies for 2026.” Mercer, https://www.mercer.com/en-us/insights/total-rewards/employee-benefits-strategy/2026-benefit-strategies-report/. Accessed 8 February 2026.

² “Pulse of the Purchaser 2024 Survey Results.” National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, https://www.nationalalliancehealth.org/resources/pulse-of-the-purchaser-2024-survey-results/#. Accessed 9 March 2026.