Latest news with #PriorityHealth
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Priority Health Expands into Wisconsin by Becoming Governing Member of Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire
Priority Health becomes four-state health plan GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., July 24, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Priority Health, a Michigan-based health plan serving more than 1.3 million members, and Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire (the Cooperative), a community-based health plan in Wisconsin serving more than 61,000 members, have announced plans for Priority Health to become the governing member of the Cooperative. "This agreement with Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire marks a significant milestone in our mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable health care to those we are privileged to serve," said Nick Gates, interim president of Priority Health. "By bringing together our strengths and capabilities, we are better positioned to improve health outcomes and provide an exceptional member experience. We look forward to serving the members of Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire." Sarah North, CEO and general manager of Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire, said: "Priority Health brings a track record of thoughtful leadership and a deep commitment to improving health outcomes — qualities that align well with our values. This agreement lays the groundwork for continued growth and innovation in today's rapidly evolving health care landscape and positions us for long-term sustainability while allowing us to stay true to our purpose of improving health and offering community-based health plans in Wisconsin." Both organizations anticipate the transaction will close by the end of 2025 after required approvals are completed. The agreement with the Cooperative will make Priority Health a four-state health plan. In December 2024, Priority Health became the sole member of Physicians Health Plan of Northern Indiana, which serves members in Indiana and Ohio. Kaufman, Hall, and Associates, LLC is serving as exclusive strategic and financial advisor and Weld Riley is serving as legal counsel to Group Health Cooperative Eau Claire in this transaction. Taft Stettinius & Hollister is serving as external legal counsel to Priority Health and Ankura is serving as due diligence advisor. About Priority Health: Our members are at the heart of everything we do. With more than 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second-largest health plan in Michigan and the third-largest provider-sponsored health plan in the nation, offering an extensive portfolio of health benefits options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than 1.3 million members each year in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, Priority Health offers a broad network of primary care physicians. Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Learn more about affordable, quality health coverage options from Priority Health. Visit the Priority Health newsroom for the latest news. About Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire: Founded in 1972, Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire is a nonprofit, member-focused health plan serving approximately 61,000 members across Wisconsin, including Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries, commercial employer groups, and state employees. Visit Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire to learn more. View source version on Contacts Dottie Barnes | (616) 446-3981 | Adam Yang | (715) 852-2068 | ayang@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Priority Health Expands into Wisconsin by Becoming Governing Member of Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire
BUSINESS WIRE)--Priority Health, a Michigan-based health plan serving more than 1.3 million members, and Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire (the Cooperative), a community-based health plan in Wisconsin serving more than 61,000 members, have announced plans for Priority Health to become the governing member of the Cooperative. "By bringing together our strengths and capabilities, we are better positioned to improve health outcomes and provide an exceptional member experience." 'This agreement with Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire marks a significant milestone in our mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable health care to those we are privileged to serve,' said Nick Gates, interim president of Priority Health. 'By bringing together our strengths and capabilities, we are better positioned to improve health outcomes and provide an exceptional member experience. We look forward to serving the members of Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire.' Sarah North, CEO and general manager of Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire, said: 'Priority Health brings a track record of thoughtful leadership and a deep commitment to improving health outcomes — qualities that align well with our values. This agreement lays the groundwork for continued growth and innovation in today's rapidly evolving health care landscape and positions us for long-term sustainability while allowing us to stay true to our purpose of improving health and offering community-based health plans in Wisconsin.' Both organizations anticipate the transaction will close by the end of 2025 after required approvals are completed. The agreement with the Cooperative will make Priority Health a four-state health plan. In December 2024, Priority Health became the sole member of Physicians Health Plan of Northern Indiana, which serves members in Indiana and Ohio. Kaufman, Hall, and Associates, LLC is serving as exclusive strategic and financial advisor and Weld Riley is serving as legal counsel to Group Health Cooperative Eau Claire in this transaction. Taft Stettinius & Hollister is serving as external legal counsel to Priority Health and Ankura is serving as due diligence advisor. About Priority Health: Our members are at the heart of everything we do. With more than 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second-largest health plan in Michigan and the third-largest provider-sponsored health plan in the nation, offering an extensive portfolio of health benefits options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than 1.3 million members each year in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, Priority Health offers a broad network of primary care physicians. Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Learn more about affordable, quality health coverage options from Priority Health. Visit the Priority Health newsroom for the latest news. About Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire: Founded in 1972, Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire is a nonprofit, member-focused health plan serving approximately 61,000 members across Wisconsin, including Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries, commercial employer groups, and state employees. Visit Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire to learn more.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Is chocolate good for you?
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Monday is World Chocolate Day, so it's the perfect time to indulge and ask: Is dark chocolate really a health food or just wishful thinking? 'When we think about cocoa, or chocolate itself, it's really the components of the chocolate that are really conferring a potential benefit,' Dr. David Rzeszutko, vice president of Medical and Clinical Operations at Priority Health, said. He explained that chocolate has polyphenols, which are found in plants and give them color, taste and texture. They have some potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cardiovascular aging benefits. Chocolate can also have mental health benefits. 'When we're eating cocoa or taking in cocoa, it actually can affect our hormones as well as neurochemicals that give us both satiety as well as a sense of well-being,' he said. To get the potential benefits of chocolate, Rzeszutko said it's important to choose a high-cocoa content chocolate, like 70% to 90%, because that is where the polyphenols are found. 'Dark chocolate has a higher cocoa content than milk chocolate. Milk chocolate is again going to have milk product and a lot of sugar in that. And then, white chocolate does not have any cocoa at all,' he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How taking a vacation can improve your mental and physical health
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — July is a popular month to take vacations — and it's good for your mental health to do so. In 2024, 47% of Americans left some paid time off unused. 'When you do not take time off from work, chronic stress can lead to things like depression, anxiety and even burnout,' Dr. Charletta Dennis, medical director of behavioral health at Priority Health, said. 'The lack of rest, also, can increase the risk of things like heart disease and high blood pressure, and it also can weaken the immune system, so you want to make sure that you are taking off.' Why summer brings increased drug and alcohol use Dennis said that when you take time to rest, your body and mind recharge. 'It gives you a sense of calmness a sense of ease. it also can reduce cortisol levels, and reducing cortisol levels can do things like improve your mood, improve your sleep and increase satisfaction in life overall,' she said. She said long summer days give you more daylight hours to spend outdoors and participate in activities that can improve your health. Do you have digital addiction? How to combat it She urged people to truly unplug when they take time off: turn off email alerts, set limits with co-workers and prioritize your vacation time. 'Protect that time to protect your mind,' Dennis said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Trust your gut: How gut health impacts our overall wellbeing
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — About 40% of Americans suffer from digestive health issues and research shows gut health is not just about digestion — it plays a vital role in overall wellness. Margaret Brown, senior director of care management at Priority Health, said symptoms like diarrhea, constipation and bloating are signs your gut is unhealthy. 'We know that the gut is such a critical component to our overall health, meaning that it helps to contribute how we balance our emotions. It also contributes to how well we're able to fight off and combat different diseases,' Brown explained. Sleep, diet, activity: How to take care of your brain The gut-brain connection is a bi-directional system that requires good communication between the two. If you're seeing signs of an unhealthy gut, you may also be experiencing mental issues like memory, decision making, depression or anxiety. To improve gut health, focus on your diet, Brown says. 'Foods that are perhaps high in being processed or high in sugar can really harm our gut and it can set off what we call our microbiome. So instead, we want to really look for foods such that are high in fiber, so your fruits, your vegetables, your beans, your legumes, looking for fermented foods as well that you can find in yogurt,' Brown suggested. You should also look toward how well you're managing your stress levels. Chronic stress can lead to increased inflammation in the gut, according to Brown. Plenty of water and physical activity as well as adequate amounts of sleep can also help improve gut health. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
