Priority Health announces new senior vice president of Employer Solutions
(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Jul. 24, 2023) After a nationwide search, Priority Health, a nationally recognized nonprofit health plan serving more than 1.3 million members, has named Rick Abbott as senior vice president of Employer Solutions. He begins this role Jul. 31, 2023.
Abbott will lead Priority Health’s benefit options that serve small and large companies across Michigan. He will oversee a market-focused team including product innovation, wellness, underwriting, sales and client services, sales operations and marketing. He will also lead the organization’s strategic alliance with Cigna, which offers Priority Health members access to the company’s national network of providers when they travel outside of Michigan.
Abbott is an accomplished, transformative business executive with significant experience leading product strategy, account management and large-scale growth initiatives throughout both startup and established health plan ventures.
Abbott has more than 15 years of experience in the health care industry with a focus on strategic development and business intelligence. He most recently served as co-founder and chief executive officer of Lyn Health, which provides clinical, advocacy and care coordination services for people with multiple chronic conditions. “Rick has a track record of blazing new trails in health care transformation and innovation,” said Praveen Thadani, president of Priority Heath. “He is a compassionate leader who has dedicated his entire career to health care transformation and is deeply committed to our mission and values to make health care more accessible, affordable and equitable.”
Abbott said: “It is both an honor and a privilege to join the Priority Health team. For years, I have admired this company’s focus on innovation, affordability and health equity, and I look forward to continuing to preserve these values on behalf of our customers and members. In doing so, I truly believe we can positively impact the health and well-being of those in our local communities.”
Abbott received a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in business administration from DePaul University. He also completed graduate coursework in medical informatics from Northwestern University. He was named one of Modern Healthcare’s “Top 25 Emerging Leaders” among other awards.
About Priority Health:
With over 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second largest health plan in Michigan, 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 and offering a broad network of primary care physicians in Michigan, 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.