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Case Study

Pipefitters Local 597: Improving access to quality and affordable care for members

Read how two onsite health centers helped Pipefitters Local 597 lower medical costs, improve chronic condition outcomes, and deliver quality care to members.
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Labor organizations face a compounding challenge: members perform physically demanding work across multiple locations while navigating a healthcare system not built for them. The result is delayed care and rising costs. For Pipefitters Local 597, the question was clear: how do you deliver quality, affordable care to 21,000 members and their families.

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ABOUT LOCAL 597

A labor organization built on member health

Who they are

Pipefitters Local 597 is a labor organization representing approximately 21,000 members and their families across multiple locations in Illinois and Indiana. Their members perform physically demanding work in the pipefitting trade.

A commitment to competitive benefits

Local 597 sought benefits that reflect their members' value. That meant going beyond traditional health insurance to find a model that could improve access, address chronic and physical health, and protect the fund’s financial stability.

THE CHALLENGE

Delivering quality care to a dispersed, high-risk workforce

Pipefitters face physically demanding conditions that drive high rates of musculoskeletal issues. Left unaddressed, these lead to long-term disability and rising costs. Spread across multiple locations, members faced inconsistent access to care, making chronic condition management difficult.

  • Prevalent neck, shoulder, and hip conditions threatening long-term health

  • Limited access to physical therapy and preventive care across locations

  • Rising costs driven by unmanaged chronic conditions and ER utilization

Without a coordinated care model, Local 597 faced higher disability claims, increased ER utilization, and growing financial strain. Members needed more than coverage—they needed convenient, high-quality care.

THE MARATHON HEALTH SOLUTION

Onsite health centers built to serve members where they train and work

Dedicated onsite health centers at training facilities

Marathon Health established onsite health centers within Local 597's training facilities in Illinois and Indiana—removing access barriers and creating natural entry points for members to engage with care.

Physical therapy to protect workforce health

Accessible physical therapy sits at the center of Local 597's care model. By addressing musculoskeletal conditions early, members stay on the job longer—reducing long-term disability claims.

Proactive, preventive care to manage chronic conditions

Longer appointments and condition management support give members the time to make real progress on their health.

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MEMBER SATISFACTION
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patient satisfaction among Local 597 members using the health centers

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of patients with chronic conditions making progress on their health goals

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ROI achieved on physical therapy services in the program's second year

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lower medical costs for members managing chronic conditions

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eligible members and their families now have access to quality onsite care

  • It is important to our leadership to provide competitive benefits to our members and their families, and our members really appreciate the convenience and care they get from our health centers.

    NICHOLE LINDHARDT
    Plan Administrator, Pipefitters
GET THE CASE STUDY

See how Local 597 transformed member health and costs

Download the full case study to see how two onsite health centers delivered measurable results—from lower medical costs to higher member satisfaction. Get the details on the strategy, the outcomes, and what this model could mean for your labor group.
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