Gamber-Johnson honored for transforming employee healthcare
By Brandi Makuski
STEVENS POINT – Gamber-Johnson has been recognized with the 2025 Healthcare Transformation Award by The Alliance for its innovative efforts to improve healthcare benefits for employees and their families.
The Alliance, a not-for-profit cooperative focused on improving healthcare for employers and their workers, presented the award during its Spring Symposium on April 23 in Madison. The annual award recognizes organizations that drive meaningful change in the healthcare marketplace through improved quality, affordability, and access.
“If you want to view a company that truly cares about the well-being of its employees, look to Gamber-Johnson,” said Curt Kubiak, president and CEO of The Alliance. “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.”
In 2020, Gamber-Johnson launched a mission to reverse rising healthcare costs and improve employee satisfaction by switching to a self-funded model. The Stevens Point-based company partnered with transparent, low-cost healthcare providers such as Anovia and Solstice Health to offer primary care, advanced imaging, specialty services, and a broad range of surgical options—often at no cost to employees.
“We knew we had to do something to change the tide,” said Phillip Blair, vice president of human resources. “Healthcare costs were skyrocketing, benefits were getting worse, premiums were getting higher, employees were less and less happy. It’s about supporting our employees in all facets of wellness.”
The company also opened an onsite clinic for employees and their families, further increasing access to care and helping create a culture of holistic wellness. The move has resulted in more than $1 million in savings and earned widespread approval from staff.
“Over time our healthcare costs have gone down,” said Gamber-Johnson CEO Gautam Malik. “That is millions of dollars that is going back into the bottom line. I can invest that into people and continue to gain jobs. It is a successfully deployed strategy that is meaningful and a win-win for the employees and the organization.”
Employee surveys show that 95 percent of Gamber-Johnson workers report high satisfaction with their health benefits. The company also promotes value-based care models and shares its insights with other employers. Through its participation in the Advancing Free Market Healthcare initiative, Gamber-Johnson has advocated for policy reforms promoting affordable, transparent care.
Founded in 1954, Gamber-Johnson is a leading supplier of rugged mounting systems used in fleet and public safety vehicles. Its headquarters are in Stevens Point.
More information about the award and The Alliance can be found at the-alliance.org.