Gamber-Johnson: Transforming Health Benefits for their Employees with Self-Funding

For decades, skyrocketing healthcare costs have strained both employers and employees. Gamber-Johnson, a Wisconsin-based manufacturer of rugged mounting solutions, tackled this issue by transitioning to self-funding. This strategic move empowered them to reduce costs, gain greater control over their benefits, and improve access to high-value healthcare for their workforce. 

In recognition of their efforts, Gamber-Johnson was presented with a Healthcare Transformation Award at The Alliance’s 2025 Spring Symposium. This award is given by The Alliance Board of Directors. It acknowledges organizations that drive meaningful change in healthcare by improving quality, affordability, and accessibility. “Gamber-Johnson is a prime example for other employers on what’s possible if you commit to a collaborative and employee-first approach to healthcare benefits,” said Curt Kubiak, President and CEO of The Alliance. 

Watch Gamber-Johnson’s Healthcare Transformation Award video. 

A Bold Move Toward Better Health Benefits with Self-Funding

Gamber-Johnson’s journey toward healthcare innovation began in 2020 when leadership recognized the unsustainable trajectory of traditional healthcare plans. “Healthcare costs were skyrocketing, benefits were getting worse, premiums were getting higher, and employees were less and less happy. We knew we had to do something to change the tide by switching to self-funding,” said Phillip Blair, Vice President of Human Resources at Gamber-Johnson. 

By embracing self-funding, Gamber-Johnson gained control over its healthcare expenses and implemented a tailored approach that prioritized high-quality, cost-effective care. A key component of this strategy was partnering with transparent, value-driven healthcare providers like Anovia Health and Solstice Health. These partnerships provided employees with access to high-quality primary care, advanced imaging, specialty services, and surgical options—often at no cost to them. 

Putting Employees First

Understanding that accessibility to care is a crucial component of health outcomes, Gamber-Johnson also established an onsite clinic for employees and their families. This initiative not only made healthcare more convenient and cost-effective for employees to access but also reinforced the company’s commitment to holistic wellness. “It’s about supporting our employees in all facets of wellness,” Blair emphasized. 

The results speak for themselves. Since implementing these changes, Gamber-Johnson and its employees have collectively saved over $1 million in healthcare costs. Perhaps more importantly, the workforce has responded with overwhelming approval. In company surveys, 95% of employees reported high satisfaction with their benefits. Gamber-Johnson was also named the Healthiest Company in Wisconsin and the 15th Healthiest in the United States by Healthiest Employers (a subsidiary of Springbuk) in 2024. 

A Ripple Effect: Driving Industry Change

For Gamber-Johnson, this recognition isn’t just about celebrating past success; it’s about inspiring other businesses to take proactive steps toward meaningful healthcare reform. Gamber-Johnson’s innovative healthcare strategy extends beyond its own organization. The company has been a vocal advocate for industry-wide reform, leveraging value-based care models that focus on quality outcomes rather than volume-based billing. Their efforts include innovative payment reforms, strategic provider network design, and benefit plan structuring that ensures cost-effectiveness without compromising care. 

Through participation in Advancing Free Market Healthcare, Gamber-Johnson has also played an active role in shaping healthcare policy. Their advocacy efforts have given employers a stronger voice in legislative discussions surrounding transparency, affordability, and quality in healthcare.  

Partnering with The Alliance

After learning more about self-funding, Gamber-Johnson joined The Alliance to give its employees access to a broad network of providers. “Giving our employees options was key to us selecting The Alliance. Not using a one-size-fits-all approach and having a robust network is important,” Malik stated. The employees at Gamber-Johnson trust that providers in The Alliance’s Smarter Networks^SM are invested in their well-being. “Our employees know The Alliance network providers are there to genuinely make meaningful changes to their health,” Malik concluded. 

The Alliance helps self-funded employers build custom provider networks through our Smarter Networks^SM. With contracts spanning over 36,000 medical professionals across the Midwest — including 9,300 clinics, 150 hospitals, and nearly 425 home health providers — we ensure broad access and choice. In Wisconsin alone, The Alliance network reaches over 91% of the state. This helps minimize out-of-network charges and protect employees from surprise billing. 

The Alliance’s Premier Networks are customizable to meet the unique needs of every workforce — both geographically and clinically. These networks combine major health systems with high-value, alternative care delivery options. This includes independent primary care, behavioral health, imaging, and lab services. This allows individuals to access care where they feel most comfortable, ensuring timely, quality services at lower costs. 

Reach out to us to learn more about how The Alliance’s networks can help you save your employees and your organization money on your healthcare spend.