Henry Ford Health Joins Nomi Health’s Direct Network Program for Michigan Employers

Henry Ford Health has partnered with Nomi Health as employers continue to face rising health benefits costs. The health system has agreed to participate in Nomi’s direct network program, which provides direct contracting options for self-funded employers. Nomi Health said Henry Ford’s participation marks a major expansion of the offering.

Michigan employers that enroll will gain access to Henry Ford’s system of more than 550 sites of care, offering primary, specialty, and complex services. These employers can make these services available with $0 deductibles, no copayments, and no surprise billing.

Mark Newman, CEO and co-founder of Nomi Health, said the company chose Michigan as its first “full platform” state, with data, payment, and network systems launched together. He said Nomi first deployed the model in western Michigan and explained to Henry Ford that the initial phase would serve as a proving ground. About 40 employers representing about 10,000 workers participated in this early stage, and Newman said the team brought those results back to Henry Ford as part of the process of bringing them on officially.

Newman recounted a key moment from early conversations with Henry Ford, quoting them directly: “They said, ‘All right, and prove it.’” He said Nomi demonstrated the initial outcomes before the organizations proceeded together.

Under the model, participating employers can offer access to Henry Ford’s services and facilities at $0 out-of-pocket costs for members, and providers receive expedited payments. The set of available services includes primary and preventive care, specialty care, complex procedures, and virtual and home health.

The partnership also incorporates work Henry Ford previously undertook in direct contracting, as the system contracted directly with GM in 2018 for healthcare services. Robin Damschroder, chief financial officer and president of the value-based enterprise at Henry Ford, said in an email that the system is committed to improving affordability and access to high-quality healthcare and that the organization is joining with Nomi because they share this mission.

Newman said Nomi does not plan to stop in Michigan. The company is focused on the Midwest, South, and Rocky Mountain regions and is in active discussions with providers in these areas. He said the team brings key data into these conversations to begin with transparency about healthcare costs. Newman compared the expansion to the board game Risk, saying it involves “taking more territory from a few starting points as you go.”