For Satch Huizenga, life has been anything but ordinary.
From pursuing an acting career in Los Angeles to appearing in films alongside major Hollywood names, Satch spent years traveling the country, chasing opportunities and telling stories on stage and screen. But ultimately, the most meaningful chapter of his life brought him right back where he started, Michigan.
“I’ve lived all over...Minneapolis, New York, LA, Virginia,” Satch says. “But I came back to Michigan when my dad needed me.”
As an only child, the decision wasn’t complicated. His father’s health was declining, and Satch knew where he needed to be. He returned home to care for him during his final chapter, a deeply personal experience that reshaped Satch’s perspective on life, family, and healthcare.
A simpler life on the water
Today, Satch has found a different kind of spotlight, one that shines across the calm waters of Gourdneck Lake in Portage, Michigan.
Most mornings begin with a peaceful routine: coffee in hand, fishing poles gathered, and a short walk down to the dock. The day might include friendly banter with neighbors about who’ll reel in the biggest catch, or time spent cruising the lake on a pontoon boat with his girlfriend, Beth.
“It’s just a beautiful, peaceful way to live,” he says.
Satch has embraced a lifestyle rooted in the outdoors, something he sees as essential to his overall health and well-being. “You’ve got to stay in motion,” he says. “Especially in a place like Michigan, when the sun comes back, you want to be out there enjoying it.”
That love of nature extends into his work as a part-time City of Portage Park Ranger, where he helps care for the very landscapes he enjoys every day. “It gives me a chance to spend time in the parks, meet people, and just stay connected to the community,” he says.
Choosing healthcare you can trust
Satch’s return to Michigan also marked the first time he had to make an important decision about his own healthcare coverage, something many people face later in life. For him, the answer came through someone he trusted most.
“My dad guided me toward Priority Health,” Satch explains. “That was all the validation I needed.”
After navigating the complexities of the healthcare system while caring for his father, Satch understood firsthand how overwhelming it could be, and how meaningful the right support makes. “Anything that helps you navigate that system feels huge,” he says. “Priority Health has been very helpful and very communicative which, in healthcare, goes a long way.”
Real people make the difference
One thing Satch values most is something simple but increasingly rare: talking to real people. “Every time I’ve reached out, I’ve had patient, thoughtful conversations,” he says. “I didn’t feel rushed or dismissed. That matters.”
For Satch, those interactions aren’t accidental they reflect a deeper commitment to service.
“That doesn’t just happen,” he says. “That’s culture. That’s intentional.”
He also appreciates that Priority Health is rooted in Michigan, serving people who live and work in the same communities he calls home. “There’s a difference when you’re talking to someone who understands where you live and what your life looks like,” he says.
Paying it forward
These days, Satch finds himself having more conversations with friends who are entering a similar stage of life evaluating healthcare options and looking for trusted guidance. And he doesn’t hesitate to share his experience.
“I recommend Priority Health all the time,” he says. “When people you trust have something good to say, it makes a difference especially when healthcare decisions can feel overwhelming.”
At the end of the day, for Satch, it comes down to people.
“You don’t just buy the plan you buy the people behind it,” he says. “And for me, every interaction I’ve had has been with solid people.”
Living well, where it matters most
After years of travel, performance, and change, Satch has found something lasting in Portage: a sense of belonging, connection, and peace. It’s in the early morning stillness of the lake; in the conversations with neighbors and park visitors; and in the confidence that comes from knowing he has the right support when it matters most.
“I’ve had a good experience,” Satch says. “And that’s really what it comes down to."
Actual member. Individual experience; benefits and coverage vary by plan and service area.