In 2017, brothers Ed and Todd Park created Devoted Health because they had developed what they call a “maniacal commitment” to help improve health care for seniors in America. They were watching their own parents age into Medicare and felt that they could offer something better than what was out there at the time. The U.S. was spending more on healthcare than any other country, and was getting some of the worst outcomes of any developed country. Prior to Devoted, they had developed the first cloud-based billing and healthcare management system, which was called AthenaHealth. It went public and the Parks got to ring the bell on the NY Stock Exchange. Eventually they sold Athena Health for $6 billion, and for a while, Ed continued to run it. Then the brothers came back together to start Devoted Health, whose mission statement is:
To dramatically improve the health and well-being of older Americans by caring for each and every person like they are family.
To the brothers, what that looks like is:
The right care, both clinical and non-clinical, delivered in the right place at the right time, in a highly consistent, coordinated proactive prevention- oriented way.
We listen to our members—really listen—so we can support them in living the lives they want. That means we have to be more than a health plan. We have to deeply support member well-being with benefits, systems, and support designed for relationships, trust, and empathy.
It turns out that there is a precise formula to making this possible, and it is that formula that is causing Devoted to revolutionize the insurance industry. Two of the ways they are accomplishing their mission is through pioneering in tele-health, as well as having concierge-like “guides” who are assigned to each customer to be a true “face and heart” that sticks with them through every medical “thick and thin” that might be encountered along the way. Devoted also provides support for clinicians, reliable access to trusted providers, and a proprietary software developed by the founders that is designed to serve the members, and not just expedited billing or claims.
Devoted serves 20 states including Alabama, and has a true heart for veterans, which we’ll talk about in a moment. Devoted was chosen as one of four insurance companies by U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Insurance Companies for Medicare Advantage in 2025.”
The following statements are from “raving fan” customers that are touching and spontaneous:
“Devoted Health has always been there for me through my battle with cancer. From Jan.2024, I always had friendly, courteous and knowledgeable help with any questions or problems that may have shown up.”
“I have been with Devoted for only six months but I am pleased to say that although I faced some challenges due to travel outside of coverage, the customer service representatives have been amazing. They provided solutions to my situation, links to digital forms and even a physical form through email just in case. I have been completely surprised at how quickly and clearly they have helped me.”
“I’m happy you’ve been so supportive of my attempt to regain my good health. I did not realize the root cause of my discomfort and the extent to which it adversely affected my quality of life. After the
procedure, I was a new man now looking forward to a productive life. I thank you for your support and cooperation.”
“Very caring, informative and thorough representative. I will continue using Devoted because they treat me like a human. This is the way health insurance should be.”
It should be noted that Grammy award-winning singer Lionel Ritchie is a compensated spokesperson for Devoted, and as far as employees are concerned, many talk about how satisfying it is to know that they are making a difference in the lives of their customers.
I spoke with Eric Carney, who is Devoted’s Director for Alabama. Eric is a former reserve law enforcement officer who has been involved with operations regarding human trafficking, search and rescue, and more. He enjoys Devoted’s corporate culture and the values of the company — especially its mission to treat every member like family. However, as the son of a Vietnam vet as well as a member of a family that is full of veterans, Eric takes great pleasure in participating in the coining ceremonies that Devoted has started to conduct for Alabama veterans. There is now a specially designed coin that shows all the branches of the military, and they make a point of finding veterans who have never been properly thanked for their service. When vets are presented with a coin, there is an impact that is hard to describe. Feeling honored and appreciated is only the start, and Devoted is going to come to Athens for the Coffee Call that will be held at the Veterans Museum on Saturday, August 2, at 8 a.m. for a special coining ceremony. So, save the date because you are going to want to be there!
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
June 20, 2025
