Zing Health was founded in 2019 by two African American physician entrepreneurs, Eric E. Whitaker, MD, MPH, and Kenneth Alleyne, MD, along with co-founders Health 2047 and healthcare executive Garfield Collins, to address inadequacies in the healthcare system by creating collaborative, community-based Medicare Advantage plans.
By extending 21st century health service solutions built around community, Zing Health seeks to
drastically improve health outcomes in diverse populations that have been chronically underserved.
Given that 80 percent of clinical outcomes are attributable to social determinants of health, Zing
Health’s unique approach acknowledges the importance of understanding a patient’s circumstances
outside of a clinical setting and offers a strategic, tech-enabled model that can scale to match the size
of the problem.
In 2020, Zing Health served Medicare beneficiaries in Cook County, Illinois, and in 2021 expanded to
additional counties in Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana.
Zing Health has a singular mission: Providing managed care Medicare Advantage plans that address social determinants of health to reduce healthcare disparities among historically underserved populations. Zing’s HMO, HMO-POS, and HMO-CSNP plans integrate Medicare Parts A and B benefits with Part D prescription drug coverage, along with providing robust extra benefits.
Zing Health utilizes an innovative, personalized model of care that keeps the member and their primary care provider at the center, while supporting them with a holistic care team that includes nurse care managers, behavioral health clinicians, social workers, and connections to community organizations. Zing accomplishes this while also reducing health care expenses and eliminating financial surprises for its members.
Zing Health’s tight focus allows it to take the time to get to know its members; partner with them to develop comprehensive, customized care plans; connect them with resources relating to social determinants of health; and provide concierge-level customer service.
The word “Zing” connotes energy, vigor, and excitement. Zing’s goal is to provide Medicare-eligible seniors and disabled people with the care, services, information, and wellness programs they need to achieve amaZing health.
Dr. Whitaker began his career as a primary care physician, researcher, and advocate focused on preventive health and healthcare disparities in communities of color and later served as director of the Illinois Department of Health from 2003 through 2007. He then shifted to developing, investing in, advising, and founding innovative healthcare solutions for medically underserved populations, including Next Level Health and Symphonix Health Holdings.
Dr. Whitaker received a BA in chemistry from Grinnell College, earned his MD at The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, and completed an MPH at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Dr. Alleyne is a practicing orthopedic surgeon and managing general partner at Eastern Orthopaedics
and Sports Medicine based in Bloomfield, Conn. He has also simultaneously served as a board member,
advisor, investor, chief medical officer, and founder of multiple health organizations including the
Connecticut Commission on Health Equity, The University of Connecticut Health Center, and Next Level
Health.
Dr. Alleyne received his undergraduate degree from Williams College, earned his MD at Wake Forest University, did his residency at Howard University Hospital, and completed a fellowship in orthopedic sports medicine at the Yale University School of Medicine.
Garfield made an impact during his career as a senior executive at healthcare companies including UnitedHealth Group, Beacon Health, and Next Level Health, with a focus on Medicare and Medicaid. Garfield earned a BS in economics from Florida Atlantic University.
Health 2047 was formed by the American Medical Association to transform healthcare at the system level. The innovation incubator follows the Silicon Valley model of disruption to find, form, and scale companies that are removing barriers to healthcare to improve the health of the nation.
Our Senior LeadershipZing Health is a rapidly growing, diverse healthcare startup seeking passionate, self-starting professionals who share in our mission to increase health equity. Our culture rejects strict departmental silos and hierarchies in favor of a team approach where everyone is invited to have a voice across the company and pitch in wherever their skills, background, and expertise can be put to use.
Zing Health encourages employees to volunteer their time in the communities where they live and work, and has challenged employees to spend at least 20 hours per year on volunteer activities.
Our Open Positions
Zing Health offers a robust compensation package including:
Zing Health’s headquarters is in downtown Chicago a short walk from Oglivie and Union Metra stations and multiple CTA elevated and subway stations. Our sales operations are based in our second office on 35th St.
Currently, due to COVID-19, all employees are working remotely for the foreseeable future, and we anticipate remote work will remain an option in some capacity after it’s safe to return to the office.
Our Open Positions
Zing Health is pleased to connect journalists to subject matter experts for interviews and appearances, and to provide information to members of the media about our company, mission, and vision. Please direct inquiries to [email protected].
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