Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about Garner Health.

For Employers

How much can employers save?

Employers typically see 10–15% reductions in total claims costs. Garner’s model aligns financial incentives so members choose high-quality, cost-efficient providers—generating savings that fund the member HRA benefit.

How does Garner evaluate doctor quality?

Garner analyzes millions of de-identified medical claims to evaluate physicians on clinical outcomes, procedure rates, adherence to evidence-based care, and cost efficiency within their specialty and geography. Providers are ranked relative to peers in the same market. See our data methodology.

Does Garner disrupt our existing carrier or network?

No. Garner works as a layer on top of your existing health plan and provider network. Members continue to use their current insurance cards and can see any in-network provider. Garner simply guides them toward the best ones and rewards them financially when they do.

How does Garner drive member engagement?

Garner combines a personalized provider recommendation engine with proactive outreach and a financial incentive—the Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). Members receive guidance when they have a care need and earn cash reimbursements when they visit a Top Provider, creating a strong motivation to engage.

What is an HRA and how does it work with Garner?

Garner pairs a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) with its provider recommendations. When a member visits a Garner Top Provider, the employer reimburses them directly—typically $0–$500 per visit—funded by the claims savings Garner generates. The HRA is the financial mechanism that makes the benefit tangible for employees.

How is Garner different from other benefits navigation tools?

Most navigation tools surface in-network providers or price estimates. Garner goes further by using proprietary quality rankings—built on millions of claims—to identify the best-performing doctors in each specialty and market, and then backs that guidance with a financial incentive that motivates members to act on it.

What is a “Top Provider”?

A Top Provider is a doctor or medical group that Garner has identified as delivering above-average clinical quality and cost efficiency within their specialty and local market. Garner designates Top Providers based on an analysis of millions of de-identified medical claims—not self-reported data or paid placements.

How does Garner integrate with existing benefits?

Garner integrates with most major carriers, TPAs, and HRIS platforms. Implementation requires a claims data feed from your carrier and a standard enrollment file. Garner’s implementation team manages the technical setup, member communications, and HRA configuration.

What data does Garner analyze to rank providers?

Garner analyzes millions of de-identified medical claims, evaluating patient outcomes, procedure rates, referral patterns, complication rates, and adherence to evidence-based clinical guidelines. Providers are ranked relative to peers in the same specialty and geographic market. Explore our full methodology.

What is the onboarding process, and how long does it take?

Onboarding typically takes 60–90 days from contract signing to launch. Garner’s implementation team manages carrier data integration, member communication templates, and HRA configuration. Employers are not responsible for the technical setup. Explore Garner for employers.

Can employers adopt Garner mid-year?

Yes. Garner can launch mid-year because it adds a voluntary benefit layer that doesn’t change plan design or require open enrollment. Employers do not need to wait for their annual benefits renewal to get started.

For Providers

How does Garner designate a doctor as a Top Provider?

Garner analyzes de-identified claims data across millions of patient encounters, evaluating factors like clinical outcomes, adherence to evidence-based care, complication rates, and cost efficiency. Providers who rank in the top tier of their specialty and geographic market earn the Top Provider designation.

Can providers see how they’re ranked by Garner?

Providers currently cannot access their individual rankings directly. Garner’s methodology is built on de-identified claims data that is not provider-reported, which keeps the rankings objective and independent. Providers designated as Top Providers may be notified of their status.

Does Garner’s Top Provider designation affect patient referrals?

Yes. Members using Garner are actively guided toward Top Providers through personalized recommendations and financial incentives. Top Providers in markets where Garner operates may see increased patient volume from Garner members who are actively seeking care. Learn more about Garner for providers.

Does Garner cover all medical specialties?

Garner covers a broad range of specialties, including primary care, orthopedics, cardiology, gastroenterology, OB/GYN, and more. Coverage is prioritized in the specialties and markets where quality variation and cost impact are greatest.

For Health Plans

How do health plans benefit from partnering with Garner?

Health plans can offer Garner as a value-added benefit that reduces total claims cost, improves member outcomes, and differentiates their product in competitive employer markets—without changing plan design or network contracts. Learn more about Garner for health plans.

Does Garner work with both fully insured and self-funded plans?

Yes. Garner works with both fully insured and self-funded arrangements. The majority of Garner’s current clients are self-funded employers, but the model is compatible with fully insured group health plans as well.

How does Garner reduce total claims cost for health plans?

By directing members to high-quality, cost-efficient providers, Garner reduces unnecessary procedures, redundant testing, and avoidable complications. The result is lower total claims spend without restricting member choice or changing plan benefits.

Can health plans offer Garner as a value-added benefit to employer groups?

Yes. Health plans can partner with Garner to embed the benefit within their employer group portfolio, enabling employers to reduce costs and improve outcomes without requiring a change to plan design or network.

What reporting does Garner provide to health plans?

Garner provides regular reporting on member engagement, Top Provider utilization rates, and estimated claims savings. Health plans can use this data to demonstrate ROI to employer clients and track the benefit’s impact over time.

For Members

How does Garner work?

Garner analyzes millions of medical claims to identify the doctors who deliver the best health outcomes in your area. Your employer has partnered with Garner and set aside money for you to use when you see a Top Provider. The better the doctor, the more money you can earn. Learn how it works.

How do I use Garner?

Download the Garner app or visit the member portal to find Top Providers near you. When you see one, submit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to receive your reimbursement.

What types of medical costs qualify for reimbursement?

Garner reimburses for visits to Top Providers across a wide range of specialties. Eligible visits include primary care, specialist care, and certain procedures. Check the Garner app for details specific to your plan.

Does Garner have a financial relationship with the providers they recommend?

No. Garner does not accept payment from providers, and providers cannot pay to be designated as a Top Provider. Rankings are based solely on objective analysis of claims data.

Is Garner my health insurance?

No. Garner is not health insurance. Garner is a benefit that works alongside your existing health insurance to help you find the best doctors and earn money when you see them.

Discover how Garner can work for you.