A Service Focused TPA
HealthFirst was established in Tyler, Texas in 1983. The company was started by a group of insurance industry veterans who saw the need for a technology-savvy TPA to manage self-funded plans for employer groups of all sizes. As a pioneer in self-funded plan administration, HealthFirst has grown with the industry, but we retain our roots as a service-focused TPA. In fact, one of our very first clients is still with us today.
After a period of expansion, HealthFirst was acquired in 1996 by East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System, the leading hospital and clinic system in East Texas, which positioned HealthFirst strategically to clinically integrate health management services and wellness programs into its health plan administration. In 2018, Ardent Health Services, an industry leader in quality health care, formed a 10-hospital health system including the East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System, which included HealthFirst TPA, and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler (UT Health Northeast) under the auspices of UT Health East Texas, giving HealthFirst further opportunity to progress and innovate in the self-funded marketplace. We continue to maintain our corporate headquarters in Tyler. No matter where our clients live and work, we understand that each of our clients has different needs when it comes to employee benefits. So we approach each client, and each plan, individually. Working with employers, consultants, and our vendor partners, we develop the healthcare solutions to best fit each group’s unique employee population and company resources.
Our Approach Works
We believe that well-managed self-funded plans are the most economical option for most groups. And just as importantly, self-funded plans offer more flexibility, control, and responsiveness to employers and members. So everyone gets the plan, and the coverage, that they need. Our approach works. Committed to client satisfaction and superior service, we have been rewarded with high levels of customer approval, enjoying steady growth and a low client turnover rate.
Why Choose Us?
Navigating today’s healthcare landscape is complicated – but managing a benefits plan doesn’t have to be.
At HealthFirst, we’re devoted to providing customer service that’s both high-tech and high-touch, so you have the security of knowing that every detail is covered.
We use industry-leading technology to process claims, generate reports, and provide you with real-time access to plan details and information. But we also utilize a team approach to account management, so you can always reach a real person to answer questions and resolve issues.
Our Mission Statement
HealthFirst strives to bring unmatched innovation and excellence to our health plan management services. We follow the highest standards and work to exceed the expectations of those we serve:
Employer Groups in designing and implementing cost-effective benefits solutions that promote efficiency and access to exceptional care.
Plan Members in providing streamlined claims services, compassionate coordination of care, and wellness programs tailored to individual needs.
Brokers in developing trust, partnership, and creative options that help them better serve their customers.
Providers in coordinating processes that lead to prompt, accurate and fair payment.
HealthFirst Team Members in fostering both internal pride and an unrelenting commitment to personalized customer attention.
Corporate Responsibility
HealthFirst is committed to supporting the communities in which our clients, our partners, and our employees live and work. We assist non-profit community organizations through financial contributions, volunteer service, and in-kind contributions.
Priority will be given to agencies, service organizations, and projects that promote health and wellness, provide health care to those in need, or meet basic health and human services needs in communities where we have a presence, particularly in East Texas. In addition to monetary support, we may provide materials and give-away items that align with our mission of promoting health and wellness.
HealthFirst coordinates its community support with the UT Health East Texas System corporate office to avoid duplication of efforts. Financial donations cannot be considered for:
- Individuals – including students and adults seeking individual backing for sports/walks/runs, academic meets, pageants and other competitions.
- Sports teams.
- Organizations that do not have a proven not-for-profit status.
- Organizations that discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, religion, national origin or disability.
To request support, please submit a request, in writing, at least two months prior to the date of the event or the date that funding is needed.