Healthcare Partnership Drawing Statewide Attention
At Owego Apalachin, we believe innovation isn’t just about programs, it’s about finding smarter ways to support those within the district while being responsible stewards of community resources. That often includes re-thinking traditional models in ways that can better serve our students, staff, and taxpayers.
As healthcare costs continue to rise across the state, school districts like ours are often forced to have difficult conversations about sustainability, long-term planning, and how to protect employees, all while staying financially responsible. The question wasn’t whether healthcare costs would increase; it was whether we would continue reacting to them, or rethink the model entirely.
Looking Beyond the Status Quo
Earlier this school year, we opened the doors to a brand-new healthcare center for staff members and their families - Marathon Health.
With the center now fully operational, eligible individuals and retirees in an Excellus plan have access to a wide range of services, including:
Primary Care & Sick Visits: Quick diagnosis and treatment for everyday health needs.
Mental Health Services: Dedicated support for emotional and psychological well-being.
Specialized Care: Occupational health, musculoskeletal support, and chronic condition management.
Pharmacy & Labs: On-site services to streamline prescriptions and testing.
Before pursuing a dedicated health center model, district leadership examined multiple options, including traditional plan design changes, cost shifting, and various other adjustments. But those approaches often relied heavily on reducing benefits, increasing employee contributions, or accepting volatility in claims.
From a leadership perspective, the appeal of the Marathon model was straightforward: focus on preventive care, improve access, and reduce long-term high-cost claims. All of this while removing barriers to care for the people who care for our students every day.
What the Model Means for Staff
Today, OACSD employees have access to a dedicated healthcare center designed specifically for them and their families. Appointments are timely, wait times are minimal, and preventive care is emphasized. Our dedicated providers continue to build relationships with those they serve. Early feedback has reflected increased engagement and a shift toward proactive care rather than reactive visits. That shift matters - for employees and for the district.
A Financially Responsible Approach
Healthcare innovation only works if it strengthens long-term financial stability. That was the standard applied from the beginning. The data projected significant savings over the life of the partnership, not through benefit reductions, but through smarter utilization, preventive care, and reduced high-cost claims. Those projected savings amount to millions of dollars over several years. For a public school district, that level of sustainability impacts everything from budget forecasting to program protection.
Leadership, Trust, and Partnership
Introducing a model unfamiliar to many required thoughtful communication. The district worked closely with labor partners, the Board of Education, and employees to build understanding and trust. Transparency and data were central to that process. Today, the district remains minimally involved in day-to-day clinical operations, allowing Marathon Health professionals to manage care while the district focuses on education.
Statewide Interest
As the first district in New York to implement this model, alongside our partners in Maine-Endwell, Superintendent Dr. Corey Green and ME Superintendent Jason Van Fossen presented at the New York State Association of Counties Conference in Albany.
Looking Ahead
Success in this innovative healthcare approach is measured by continued financial stability, strong employee participation and satisfaction, and sustainable healthcare benefits. At its core, this partnership reflects a simple belief: when you support the well-being of the people who serve students, you strengthen the entire system.
More information
Please visit our Marathon Health page for more information, including setting up a patient portal, scheduling appointments, and meeting our providers.