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Our history: The making of Quartz

For over 40 years, Quartz has been shaped by community health plans, strengthened by provider partnerships, and guided by a shared commitment to better care. This timeline traces how our history came together to form who we are today.

Community beginnings

Quartz’s story starts in the early 1980s, with local health plans created to bring care closer to home. These organizations focused on access, coordination, and community well-being — values that continue to shape the care we deliver.

1983

HMO of Wisconsin Insurance Corporation forms as one of the nation’s first rural-based HMOs.

1994

HMO of Wisconsin Insurance Corporation and U-Care HMO, Inc. become Unity Health Plans Insurance Corporation.

1995

Gundersen Health Plan, Inc. incorporates in Wisconsin as a non-stock service insurance corporation.

Stronger together

Over time, the health plans aligned with trusted care systems, combining expertise and resources to better serve members and communities. Each step forward strengthened the foundation for something unified.

2005

Unity Health Plans becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of UW Health.

2016

Unity Health Plans and Gundersen Health Plan combine operations under joint ownership.

2017

Multiple organizations collaborate to formalize health plans; UnityPoint Health becomes an owner.

Formation of Quartz

In 2017, multiple regional health plans came together under one brand – Quartz – creating a simpler, more coordinated and unified care experience for members.

2017

The Quartz brand is introduced, integrating Gundersen Health Plan, Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation, and Unity Health Plans.

We’re still growing

The addition of a new provider sponsor and additional lines of business highlight Quartz’s mission to build proactive solutions together for a life well-lived

2021

Advocate Aurora Health becomes a minority owner in Quartz Health Plan Corporation

2022

Quartz announces Dual Eligible and Medicaid SSI plans to expand coverage in our communities.

2026

Quartz launches the Quartz Level Funded product for small group employers 

Contact us

Quartz is committed to providing superior customer service. That’s one reason we offer so many ways to reach us.