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
Quartz Health Benefit Plans Corporation
Formed in 1994, Quartz Health Benefit Plans Corporation (formerly known as Unity Health Plan Insurance Corporation) is an affiliate of UW Health, Gundersen Health System®, UnityPoint Health, and Advocate Aurora. Quartz focuses on community-based health care and direct access to UW Health, Gundersen Health System, UnityPoint Health-Meriter, SwedishAmerican, and other local health care providers and focuses on commercial plans in Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
Quartz Health Plan Corporation and Quartz Health Plan MN Corporation
With members in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa, Quartz Health Plan Corporation and Quartz Health Plan MN Corporation are affiliates of Gundersen Health System, UW Health, UnityPoint Health, and Advocate Aurora. Formerly known as Gundersen Health Plan, Inc and Gundersen Health Plan Minnesota, these entities offer a variety of plans focusing on the Medicare and Medicaid sector, as well as commercial plans in Minnesota and Iowa.
Quartz Health Insurance Corporation
Formerly known as Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation, Quartz Health Insurance Corporation earned national recognition as a managed care organization focused on providing high-quality, innovative products to improve the health of its members and the community. Founded in 1986, the company now offers PPO plans to employer groups in northern Illinois, and renews Medicare Select policies in south center central Wisconsin.
Contact us
Quartz is committed to providing superior customer service. That’s one reason we offer so many ways to reach us.