Kansas City, MO — October 20, 2025 — In a landmark step for employer-sponsored healthcare in the region, The University of Kansas Health System has selected Centrus Health Direct, powered by Healthcare Highways, for its employee benefit plan. This decision positions the health system as both a founding provider partner and a participating employer in the new high-performance provider network, underscoring Centrus Health Direct’s role in delivering cost-effective, high-quality care across Kansas and Missouri. 

As a provider partner, The University of Kansas Health System contributes nationally recognized physicians, advanced specialty services, and leading-edge facilities, thereby enhancing the network’s ability to serve both employers and employees. Their participation strengthens competition in the Kansas City market, providing self-funded employers with greater choice while helping to manage costs and preserve access to high-quality care. 

Beginning in 2026, The University of Kansas Health System will also extend these advantages to its own workforce by offering Centrus Health Direct as part of its employee health plan. 

“This represents a significant change in how employee health plans are delivered in Kansas City,” said Jeff Andersen, Market President, Centrus Health Direct. “When providers and employers work together toward a common goal—better access, higher quality, and lower costs—everyone benefits. The University of Kansas Health System’s leadership sets a powerful example of how collaboration can transform the market and redefine value for employers and their employees.” 

Centrus Health Direct was launched in 2025 as a joint venture between Centrus Health Kansas City and Healthcare Highways. The network unites leading health systems—including The University of Kansas Health System, NKC Health, LMH Health, AdventHealth, Amberwell Health, and Children’s Mercy —along with independent providers to bring more competition and choice to the regional employer-sponsored health insurance market. 

Centrus Health Direct is designed to lower the cost of healthcare in its markets. By partnering with multiple third-party administrators (TPAs), the network expands the choice and flexibility available to self-funded employers. This model enables employers to manage costs while ensuring employees have affordable access to care. 

“The University of Kansas Health System’s dual role as a provider and employer in Centrus Health Direct highlights the network’s mission and long-term impact,” said Michael Wilson, CEO of Healthcare Highways. “It demonstrates the confidence of top-tier health systems in building a model that benefits patients, providers, and businesses alike.” 

About Healthcare Highways 

Healthcare Highways is a company specializing in medical provider network services. We partner with high-quality healthcare providers, third-party administrators, payors, consultants, and employers to deliver tailored network solutions that reduce healthcare costs while optimizing health plan benefits.

Our approach provides substantial savings, increased value, and a broader range of healthcare options while driving better outcomes for employers and their employees. 

For Media Inquiries: 

Ann Marie Gomez 
Sr. Director, Marketing and Communications 

Healthcare Highways 
annmarie.gomez@healthcarehighways.com