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.”

As healthcare affordability continues to challenge employers, many organizations are exploring direct-to-provider contracting models. This shift is especially significant now that Henry Ford Health has aligned with Nomi Health’s mission to simplify care delivery. By integrating advanced technology, transparent pricing, and employer-focused coordination, the partnership gives Michigan businesses a modern alternative to traditional insurance pathways.

Through this initiative, Henry Ford Health aims to reinforce long-term patient relationships by offering consistent, predictable access to care. The model eliminates unnecessary middle layers that historically contributed to higher costs and slower access. With Nomi Health’s digital platform, Henry Ford Health can streamline care delivery, manage population health more effectively, and reduce operational friction for large employer groups.

Another major benefit is the emphasis on outcomes-based care. Employers participating in the program gain the advantage of working with Henry Ford Health, a system known for its clinical excellence and integrated care network. As a result, organizations can focus on improving employee well-being while reducing long-term healthcare spending.

Looking ahead, Henry Ford Health believes this approach will become a blueprint for future healthcare innovation in Michigan. The partnership strengthens the region’s healthcare infrastructure and creates a scalable model for improving access, affordability, and patient satisfaction across the state.

Implications for Michigan’s Health Landscape

As Henry Ford Health joins Nomi Health’s Direct Network, Michigan employers get a powerful new tool to manage healthcare spend. This is especially timely, as many employers in Michigan are under rising cost pressures. Henry Ford Health By empowering Henry Ford Health to contract directly with employers, Nomi Health and Henry Ford Health are helping reshape how healthcare is purchased in Michigan — prioritizing value, quality, and transparency.

Benefits for Employees under the Henry Ford Health – Nomi Health Program

With Henry Ford Health in the Nomi Health program, participating employees gain access to Henry Ford Health’s broad network of more than 550 care sites, backed by over 50,000 team members and more than 4,500 clinicians across Henry Ford Health’s Mosaic Clinically Integrated Network (CIN). Henry Ford Health Through this partnership, Henry Ford Health offers:

• $0 deductibles — Employees pay no deductible for care through Henry Ford Health. Business Wire

• $0 copays — With Henry Ford Health’s Nomi Health network, patients won’t face copays for covered services. Nomi Health+1

• No surprise bills — Henry Ford Health ensures transparency about costs, reducing the risk of unexpected medical expenses. Business Wire

• Wide spectrum of care — From primary and preventive care to specialty services and complex procedures, Henry Ford Health’s services are fully integrated into the Nomi Health network.