ZERO 2025 Public Sector Impact Report

ZERO & The Public Sector

Delivering Healthcare Savings, Access & Satisfaction Since 2016

As public institutions across the country face increasing pressure to do more with less, ZERO provides a high-impact solution: cost-effective, accessible healthcare delivered at $0 out-of-pocket for employees and their families. Our work with local governments, K–12 schools, and higher education institutions demonstrates the real-world impact of this approach.

With over 76,000 members across the public sector now having access to ZERO, our reach and impact have expanded rapidly—averaging 31% annual growth since 2018. Employers in the public sector represent nearly half of all the members ZERO supports. Together, these partnerships have resulted in $44 million in total savings from January 2016 through April 2025, of which $24.5 million directly benefited members through their ability to access healthcare free from the burden of co-pays, co-insurance, or deductibles.

Driving Cost Savings & Empowering Public Employees

From small towns like Bartlesville, OK to counties and park districts in Illinois, and large municipalities like Colorado Springs and Boulder County, Colorado, ZERO works alongside local governments to provide seamless, accessible healthcare. With over 20,000 members served across 15 municipal and county partners in four states, our solution supports healthy, engaged, and financially secure workforces.

Key Achievements

  • $8.5M saved since 2017
  • 63% Average engagement among eligible members
  • Significant member satisfaction and retention: over 50% of Bartlesville employees active on day one still use ZERO today.

“ZERO is a vital part of our benefits strategy. Their approach has not only kept our employees healthier and happier, but more productive.”
Robin Betts, HR Director, City of Bartlesville

Simplifying Healthcare for Schools & Districts

ZERO now serves 36,000 members across 20 K–12 partnerships, including public school districts, private schools, and charter organizations. Our partners span 470 school locations, with participation from both long-standing districts and new partners seeking smart cost-containment strategies.

Key Achievements

  • $13M saved since 2016
  • 94 NPS: Exceptional Satisfaction Among School Employees
  • Supports recruitment and retention by offering one of the most valued benefits

“ZERO is one of the most popular benefits we offer. New hires often tell us they chose to join our district because of it.”
Vicki Mair, Benefits Manager, St. Vrain Valley School District

Meeting the Needs of a Competitive, Budget-Conscious Sector

Across Oklahoma, ZERO partners with 16 colleges and universities, delivering savings and enhanced benefits to over 20,000 members in the higher education community.

Key Achievements

  • $21.6M saved since 2016
  • ZERO’s success and growth with Oklahoma’s higher education institutions demonstrates the power of this model to deliver meaningful savings and better care—offering a scalable solution for colleges and universities in other markets that ZERO serves.

“All aspects of using ZERO have been beyond satisfactory…my phone calls have been handled promptly and by friendly, helpful, courteous staff; my paperwork shown to the various facilities has been received/handled easily. This service is beyond my understanding, quite frankly. I am extremely grateful for you”
Brenda, university employee in Oklahoma City, OK

Why Public Sector Leaders Choose ZERO

  • Simplicity: Easy to implement and integrate with existing plans
  • Savings: Tangible reductions in healthcare spending
  • Engagement: Personalized support drives high member participation
  • Satisfaction: High NPS and glowing member feedback
  • Equity: Eliminates financial barriers for public employees and their families

Here are just a few of the public sector partners that trust ZERO to provide exceptional healthcare experiences to their employees and family members and reduce the costs associated with paying for healthcare—for both the organizations and members:

  • West Aurora School District 129
  • Northeastern State University
  • Southwestern Oklahoma State University
  • City of Colorado Springs
  • Belvidere District 100
  • Rockford Public Schools
  • City of Bartlesville
  • City of Broken Arrow
  • JeffCo Public Schools

Looking Ahead

As healthcare costs continue to rise, public sector leaders are seeking practical, sustainable ways to support their employees while managing tight budgets. ZERO offers a proven solution that aligns with these goals—delivering value to organizations and peace of mind to the people they serve.

If you’re exploring ways to strengthen your benefits offering and improve healthcare access for your workforce, we’re here to help. Let’s start the conversation.

ZERO: Healthcare Simplified to $0.