Our History
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 Health2047 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. Today, Zing serves an expanded service area encompassing counties in Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana. In 2024, Zing Health will begin offering new plan types as well as enhancements to existing plans.
Our Mission
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 plans integrate Medicare Parts A and B benefits with Part D prescription drug coverage, along with providing robust extra benefits.
Our Model of Care
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.
Our Name
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.
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Our Founders
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.
Our Founders
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.
Our Founders
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.
Our Founders
Health2047 Inc.
is a Silicon Valley business formation and commercialization enterprise committed to enabling fundamental transformation in U.S. healthcare.
In partnership with the AMA, Health2047 is transforming healthcare at the system level, seeking powerful ideas, industry partners and entrepreneurs to address
systemic transformation in the areas of data utility, chronic disease prevention, radical productivity enhancement, and value-based payment.
Health2047’s deep relationships with both the AMA and its network of strategic partners create a unique force multiplier that helps drive informed,
large-scale change in healthcare.
Our Chief Officers
Our Commitment to Culture
Zing 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 employees embrace “The Zing Way,” our guiding
philosophy that provides four CUES:
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Communication
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Unification
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Excellence
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Social Consciousness
Our Commitment to
Community
Zing Health is a partner in Pledge 1%, which champions corporate donations and public engagement among early-stage companies. Pledge 1% aims to make a difference in the world by inspiring startups to give 1% of their profit, equity, and staff time to a charity of their choosing.
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
Find out about currently open positions and apply today.
Our Commitment to Employees
Zing Health offers a robust compensation package including:
- Competitive salaries
- Generous individual and family medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policies
- A company-matched 401(k) retirement fund
Our Offices
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.
Our offices have reopened with COVID-19 precautions in place, although remote work remains an option for most employees.
Our Open Positions
Press Inquiries
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].
Newsroom
Get the latest news and information about Zing Health as well as notifications about upcoming events in our newsroom. Enter your email address in the newsroom to receive emails when new content is posted.
Blog
See our blog for up-to-date health information geared toward Medicare beneficiaries. If you are interested in republishing our blog posts, please contact [email protected] for permission and attribution.
OptimiZing Your Health
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Social Media
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