Assured Benefits Administrators (ABA) and Next Level Urgent Care announced that Goodbill will be added to their brand-new MEC health plan starting September 10, 2026, providing members with a safety net when hospital care is needed.
The Prime Shield MEC plan guides members to affordable primary and urgent care through Next Level’s more than 45 clinics and virtual care services across Texas, lowering healthcare costs for employers.
By adding Goodbill, the plan now provides members with support for the moments that fall outside everyday care — including emergencies, surgeries, childbirth and other hospital-based care.
“At Next Level, our goal has always been to help patients access the right care at the right time,” said Rafik Sandford, Vice President of Business Development. “Primary and urgent care can address most healthcare needs, but when members do end up at the hospital, we don’t want to leave them hanging. Goodbill adds another layer of protection and peace of mind.”
Under the partnership, Goodbill will help Prime Shield MEC members reduce their hospital bills through nonprofit hospital financial assistance discounts, bill review and negotiations. An estimated 60–80% of Prime Shield MEC members are expected to qualify for some level of hospital bill reduction, ranging from 25% to 100% off eligible bills.
The partnership further differentiates the Prime Shield MEC plan in the growing market for affordable, fixed-benefit health plans by adding a layer of protection that’s typically absent in plans of its kind.
“One of the biggest questions employers and members ask is what happens when someone needs hospital care,” said Jesse Jay Beck, Chief Growth Officer at ABA. “Adding Goodbill helps us deliver a stronger answer. The Prime Shield MEC plan already provides exceptional access to primary and urgent care, and now members have additional support when higher-cost hospital situations arise.”
Goodbill helps self-funded plans and members reduce hospital bills through hospital discount screening, bill review and negotiations. More than 50% of hospital bills Goodbill reviews contain savings opportunities through errors, overcharges or hospital discounts that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Under the partnership, ABA will route eligible hospital claims to Goodbill, allowing Goodbill to proactively engage members, identify savings opportunities and help reduce bills before they become a source of stress.
“Fixed-benefit plans can dramatically improve affordability, but members still need help when a hospital bill arrives,” said Patrick Haig, CEO of Goodbill. “We’re excited to partner with ABA and Next Level to give members financial relief and a trusted advocate when they need it most.”
An estimated 60–80% of Prime Shield MEC members are expected to qualify for some level of hospital bill reduction, ranging from 25% to 100% off eligible bills.
Founded in 1985, Assured Benefits Administrators (ABA) is a leading third-party administrator (TPA) delivering customized, cost-effective healthcare solutions across the United States. ABA partners with benefit advisors and employers to provide flexible plan options, advanced technology and expert support, helping organizations achieve better outcomes and meaningful cost savings.
Next Level Urgent Care is a Texas-based healthcare provider offering urgent care, primary care and virtual care services through more than 45 clinic locations across the state. Founded in 2013, the company focuses on delivering convenient, accessible and affordable care for patients and employers.
Goodbill is the intelligent savings engine for self-funded health plans. The company helps employers, TPAs and brokers reduce healthcare costs throughout the care journey — from provider search and reimbursement optimization to bill review and balance bill resolution. Goodbill’s solutions support a wide range of plan designs, including RBP, MEC, fixed-benefit, regional and national PPO plans.
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