Curative Launches Zero First Insurance Plan for Employers

The new plan covers initial care costs to help employers manage rising health benefits expenses.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Healthcare

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing stacked geometric blocks in navy and cream, symbolizing structured health insurance coverage policy. — Curative announced its new Zero First health insurance plan, aimed at reducing out-of-pocket costs for level-funded employer groups starting in December 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Curative is launching its Zero First health insurance plan for level-funded employer groups, featuring a first-dollar coverage model. The plan designs aim to eliminate upfront out-of-pocket costs for the majority of members starting December 1, 2026.

Why it matters

The plan is designed to mitigate rising employee benefits costs for businesses while attempting to remove financial barriers that often lead individuals to delay necessary medical care.

Modeled data indicates that 69% of EPO members and 78% of PPO members will pay $0 annually, supported by initial coverage amounts of $2,500 and $5,000 respectively. Additionally, 97% of all prescription fills under Curative plans currently carry a $0 member cost.

The players

Curative

An Austin-based health insurance provider focused on level-funded plan designs for employer groups.

The details

The Zero First design pays for eligible in-network care in full up to the designated initial coverage amount before a member cost-share of 25% or 30% applies. Routine services, such as primary care and telehealth, remain at $0 for the member regardless of the initial coverage usage. To maintain eligibility, adult members must complete a Baseline Visit within 120 days of the plan effective date.

December 1, 2026: Plan availability begins for eligible employer groups.

Market Landscape

This release follows the industry trend of employers seeking specialized plan designs to address the consistent rise in healthcare benefits costs. The shift marks a move toward front-loading coverage to encourage earlier medical interventions rather than traditional deductible structures.

Employers should review whether their current insurance premiums and deductible structures are causing staff to delay care, as this model aims to shift those dynamics. Consult with your benefits broker or legal counsel to determine if a level-funded plan structure aligns with your company's risk profile.

The takeaway

The Zero First model attempts to change the utilization curve by prepaying for initial care, which may reduce long-term costs for groups with high preventive care engagement. Benefits administrators should track the 120-day Baseline Visit requirement as a key internal metric for plan compliance.