Marathon Health Expands to 750+ Clinics, Targets Public Sector with Value-Based Primary Care

Just over a year after merging with Denver-based Everside Health, Marathon Health has expanded its footprint to more than 750 advanced primary care centers across 41 states—positioning itself as one of the most scaled value-based primary care networks in the U.S. The company now serves over three million patients, many of whom are covered under employer-sponsored health plans and public sector unions.

CEO Jeff Wells projects that Marathon Health patients experience 25% to 30% lower total cost of care compared to traditional healthcare delivery models, thanks to proactive chronic disease management, preventative screenings, and reduced unnecessary utilization. The company’s approach is centered around value-based reimbursement rather than fee-for-service economics—a shift Wells believes is essential for clinical and financial sustainability.

Expansion Strategy: Geography + Industry

Marathon’s recent growth focused on two vectors: geographic concentration in states like Indiana, Ohio, Florida, the Carolinas, Colorado, and New Jersey, and vertical expansion into the public sector. Over a third of Marathon’s clients now represent state governments, municipalities, school districts, and other budget-constrained entities.

“Especially in light of public budget constraints, employers are looking for care models that reduce costs without compromising quality,”

Wells told Healthcare Dive.

Clinical + Operational Integration Post-Merger

A key milestone in Marathon’s first year post-merger was the transition of all health centers onto a unified platform called Ignite. This tech consolidation streamlines clinical workflows, integrates EHR systems, and enhances analytics across locations—critical in scaling personalized care and measuring value-based outcomes.

Wells emphasized the importance of clinician input during tech transitions. “Getting front-line medical assistants and clinicians engaged in platform selection and implementation was vital. They know what success looks like at the point of care.”

Fighting Burnout with Economic Model Alignment

Burnout remains a top concern among physicians, with 63% reporting high levels of stress due to administrative overload and time pressure, according to a 2024 AMA survey (AMA, 2024).

Unlike traditional health systems that push volume, Marathon’s value-based contracts allow clinicians to spend more time per patient, focus on prevention, and engage in whole-person care. “In our model, physicians aren’t rushing to hit quotas,” said Wells. “They’re paid to prevent illness, not react to it.”

Telehealth Uptick, But In-Person Still Dominates

Approximately 70% of Marathon Health’s primary care visits are still conducted in person, but telehealth usage remains three times higher than pre-pandemic levels. The company views virtual care as a complementary channel—not a replacement—especially for follow-ups, behavioral health, and chronic condition check-ins.

Scaling in a Fragmented Market

Marathon currently holds roughly 25% of the advanced primary care market. As demand for value-based care grows, the company plans to expand its public sector presence and deepen specialty integrations through partnerships.

With ongoing cost pressures on employers and growing dissatisfaction with fee-for-service systems, advanced primary care organizations like Marathon are increasingly seen as part of the infrastructure for scalable, financially sustainable healthcare.

“Primary care is dying in the current model,” Wells said. “If we want clinicians to stay in the field and patients to get the care they need, we have to rethink how care is delivered, measured, and paid for.”