Unity Preferred Network lets workers pick doctors and save 15%

Unity is rolling out a new healthcare option in Chicago that aims to loosen the grip of traditional insurance networks. The company plans to launch Employers Preferred Choice (EPC), a self-funded plan designed for employer groups, individuals, and workers like freelancers and real estate agents. The big shift? It invites members to nominate their own doctors and facilities, shaping a network that reflects real patient needs rather than a fixed roster of providers.

That member-driven approach sits alongside a direct agreement model with providers. Unity says one of its Tier 1 partners in Chicago will be Northwestern Medicine, which would give EPC members access to a major health system and its physicians, hospitals and facilities. The idea is to blend high-quality care with predictable costs, by negotiating direct agreements that can bypass some traditional insurer barriers.

Unity argues this setup can lower total costs for members by offering fixed provider rates and customized plan designs. In the company’s view, giving members a say in which doctors they see can improve care continuity and satisfaction while still holding down costs. An added perk for members is the ability to see a doctor or facility they already trust, bypassing the usual limits of conventional network plans.

Accessibility isn’t just about price. The EPC concept is designed to be flexible enough to cover not just Chicago but the broader Illinois region, with providers in other states potentially accessible for members who travel. The goal, Unity says, is to reduce the administrative headaches that often bog down healthcare decisions, including preapproval requirements and denials that frustrate patients and employers alike.

Cost transparency is another cornerstone. Unity says EPC will offer at least one plan option with no deductible and no coinsurance, backed by access to the Unity network. The company estimates savings of at least 15 percent versus traditional insurance costs for many groups, with the potential to exceed 30 percent depending on the combination of group size, coverage, and current spend.

For employers facing renewals at the start of the calendar year, the rollout is timely. The onboarding process involves gathering employer information, submitting it for underwriting, and building a customized quote. Unity and EPC can work with a broker or directly with a business, depending on what makes the most sense for the customer.

Experts say the experiment could reshape how employers think about health benefits if it scales. It could give workers more say in where they get care and potentially deliver simpler, more predictable bills. But the model also relies on a broad network of providers willing to sign direct agreements and to engage in cost-and-care discussions with patients and employers alike.

What happens next? Employers and workers in Chicago will start to see more details about eligibility, quotes, and the exact providers involved as EPC expands. The timing for broader rollout beyond Illinois isn’t yet clear, but the Chicago launch sets a concrete test for whether a more patient-led, price-conscious approach to healthcare can work in a major metro area.