Priority health medicare review is essential for Michigan residents exploring their Medicare options. Priority Health is a nonprofit health benefits company headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The company traces its roots back to 1986 when Butterworth HMO was first established. In 1992, Butterworth HMO merged with Lakeshore HMO to form Priority Health.
- Priority Health Overview and Financial Strength
- Priority Health Medicare Review: Medicare Plan Options
- Priority Health Medicare Rates and Enrollment
- Priority Health Additional Benefits and Perks
- Priority Health Claims Process and Customer Service
- Pros and Cons of Priority Health Medicare Plans
- Who Is Priority Health Best For?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Today, Priority Health operates as a subsidiary of Corewell Health, Michigan’s largest health system. The insurer serves approximately 1.3 million members statewide. Priority Health offers Medicare Advantage, Medigap supplement, and dual-eligible plans across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. This priority health medicare review covers everything beneficiaries need to make an informed enrollment decision.
Priority Health Overview and Financial Strength
Priority Health has built a strong reputation over more than three decades of service. The company earned an A (Excellent) Financial Strength Rating from AM Best. AM Best also assigned an a+ Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating with a stable outlook. These ratings reflect Priority Health’s diversified book of business across commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid lines. As a result, beneficiaries can feel confident in the company’s financial stability.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services awarded Priority Health’s HMO-POS plans 4.5 out of 5 stars for 2026. The PPO plans earned a solid 4.0 out of 5 stars. Plans rated 4 stars or above qualify for CMS quality bonus payments. Priority Health also holds NCQA accreditation with a 4.5 out of 5 rating for its Medicare HMO. These scores consistently rank among the highest for any Michigan-based health plan.
In the 2025 JD Power U.S. Medicare Advantage Study, Priority Health scored 656 out of 1,000 points. That score placed the company third in Michigan. For context, the national average was only 623 points. However, Priority Health is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau. The NAIC complaint ratio is not publicly listed for this insurer. The table below summarizes all available ratings for this priority health medicare review.
| Rating Source | Score / Grade |
|---|---|
| AM Best Financial Strength | A (Excellent) |
| AM Best Issuer Credit | a+ (Excellent), Stable |
| CMS Star Rating — HMO (2026) | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| CMS Star Rating — PPO (2026) | 4.0 out of 5 stars |
| JD Power MA Satisfaction (2025) | 656 / 1,000 |
| NCQA Medicare HMO | 4.5 out of 5 |
| NAIC Complaint Ratio | Not publicly listed |
| BBB Accreditation | Not accredited |
Priority Health Medicare Review: Medicare Plan Options
This priority health medicare review found a comprehensive lineup of plan types. Priority Health offers multiple Medicare Advantage HMO-POS plans. These include PriorityMedicare Key, PriorityMedicare Value, and PriorityMedicare Vintage. For 2026, the company introduced PriorityMedicare Smart Savings as a new HMO-POS option. On the PPO side, beneficiaries can choose from PriorityMedicare Edge, Thrive, Thrive Plus, Vital, and Merit. Many of these plans carry a $0 monthly premium beyond the standard Part B cost.
Priority Health also offers Medigap supplement plans for beneficiaries who prefer Original Medicare. The company sells six Medigap plan letters: A, C, D, F, G, and N. However, Plans C and F are only available to those who became Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020. Medigap plans are available statewide, including Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In most cases, Plan G and Plan N are the most popular choices for new enrollees today.
For dual-eligible beneficiaries, Priority Health offers PriorityMedicare Dual Premier. This is a Highly Integrated Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan, also known as a HIDE-SNP. It combines Medicare, Medicaid, and Long-Term Services and Supports into one plan. The premium is $0 with no doctor visit copays. However, Priority Health does not offer a standalone Part D prescription drug plan. All Part D coverage is bundled into their Medicare Advantage plans.
Priority Health Medicare Rates and Enrollment
Rates for Priority Health Medicare Advantage plans vary by county and plan type. Many plans start at $0 per month for the plan premium. Medigap supplement rates typically depend on age, tobacco use, and household discount eligibility. Priority Health uses an attained-age rating method for Medigap, which is standard in Michigan. As a result, premiums may increase gradually as members age. Beneficiaries should compare rates carefully using the Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov to see all available options in their county.
The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this window, beneficiaries can switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. For example, a beneficiary unhappy with their current coverage can enroll in a Priority Health plan during AEP. New Medicare beneficiaries also have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period around their 65th birthday. Medigap Open Enrollment lasts six months starting the month a beneficiary turns 65 and enrolls in Part B.
Priority Health offers multiple enrollment methods. Beneficiaries can enroll online through the Priority Health website. They can also call enrollment specialists at 833-489-5443. In addition, licensed independent agents across Michigan can assist with enrollment. Priority Health operates walk-in Medicare information centers in several cities. No appointment is needed at these locations. Many retirees reviewing their Medicare options also choose to compare home insurance rates at Home Insure Guide to make sure their homeowners coverage is current alongside their health plan choices.
Priority Health Additional Benefits and Perks
A thorough priority health medicare review should highlight extra benefits beyond basic coverage. Priority Health Medicare Advantage plans include the One Pass fitness program at no extra cost. One Pass provides access to a nationwide network of gyms and boutique studios, including Orangetheory. Members also get live and on-demand fitness classes plus CogniFit brain training. Silver&Fit is available to eligible members as an alternative fitness benefit.
All Medicare Advantage plans include preventive dental through Delta Dental. Routine vision coverage comes through EyeMed Select. Hearing benefits are provided through TruHearing. For beneficiaries needing more coverage, an Enhanced Dental and Vision package is available for $37 per month. This add-on provides up to $5,000 in annual comprehensive dental coverage. These extras make a strong case in any priority health medicare review.
Priority Health also provides a ThriveFlex card for over-the-counter purchases. For example, PriorityMedicare Thrive includes $285 per year in OTC allowance for 2026. The Thrive Plus plan offers $385 per year. Unused quarterly allowances do not roll over. In addition, Medicare Advantage members receive free transportation assistance to medical appointments. Telehealth visits are available for non-emergency care through phone or video. The ThriveFlex Wellness Allowance can also be used toward fitness equipment, gym memberships, and nutrition app subscriptions like Noom or Weight Watchers.
Priority Health Claims Process and Customer Service
Priority Health provides a member portal at member.priorityhealth.com for managing claims. The company also offers a mobile app available on both iOS and Android. Through the app, members can track spending balances, search claims, and view prescription costs. They can also message customer service directly. The app includes a Find a Doctor tool and a Cost Estimator for planning expenses. This priority health medicare review found the digital tools to be well-designed for daily use.
Medicare customer service is available by calling 888-389-6648. Representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. General customer service hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday hours run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday hours are 8:30 a.m. to noon. In most cases, beneficiaries report reasonable hold times during non-peak periods.
With a JD Power score of 656, Priority Health ranks above the national average for Medicare Advantage satisfaction. However, some complaints on the BBB profile reference prior authorization delays and coverage disputes. Typically, these issues are common across managed care plans. Beneficiaries who encounter claim denials can file appeals through the standard Medicare appeals process. Many Medicare beneficiaries also carry a life insurance policy to protect their family, and those shopping for coverage can compare life insurance rates at Life Insure Guide for competitive quotes.
Pros and Cons of Priority Health Medicare Plans
Pros:
- CMS 4.5-star HMO rating and AM Best A (Excellent) financial strength provide strong quality assurance
- Multiple $0-premium Medicare Advantage plans available across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula
- Six Medigap plan options including the popular Plan G and Plan N available statewide
- Generous extra benefits including One Pass fitness, dental, vision, hearing, OTC allowance, and transportation
Cons:
- Medicare Advantage service area is limited to Michigan’s Lower Peninsula only — no Upper Peninsula MA coverage
- No standalone Part D prescription drug plan is offered
- Not BBB accredited, and some complaints cite prior authorization delays
Who Is Priority Health Best For?
This priority health medicare review concludes that the company is best for Michigan residents who want strong local coverage. Beneficiaries in the Lower Peninsula gain access to Corewell Health’s extensive provider network. The 4.5-star HMO plans with $0 premiums are ideal for budget-conscious seniors who want comprehensive coverage. Priority Health is also a strong pick for dual-eligible beneficiaries through the Dual Premier HIDE-SNP.
For those who prefer Original Medicare, Priority Health’s Medigap Plan G offers solid nationwide hospital and doctor coverage. Plan N is a good alternative for beneficiaries comfortable with small copays in exchange for lower premiums. However, beneficiaries who travel frequently outside Michigan may prefer a national carrier with broader Medicare Advantage networks. Typically, PPO plans offer some out-of-network flexibility, but HMO plans require in-network care.
Overall, this priority health medicare review rates the company highly for Michigan-based retirees. The combination of high CMS star ratings, an AM Best A rating, and generous supplemental benefits makes Priority Health a top contender. Beneficiaries should compare plans during the Annual Enrollment Period to find the best fit for their health needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Priority Health Medicare cover dental and vision?
Yes, all Priority Health Medicare Advantage plans include preventive dental, routine vision, and hearing benefits. However, comprehensive dental requires an optional add-on for $37 per month. As a result, beneficiaries needing extensive dental work should factor this cost into their decision.
What states does Priority Health Medicare serve?
Priority Health Medicare Advantage plans are available in all 68 counties of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Medigap supplement plans are available throughout the entire state, including the Upper Peninsula. However, the company does not currently operate outside of Michigan.
How do Priority Health’s star ratings compare to other Michigan plans?
Priority Health’s HMO-POS plans earned a 4.5-star CMS rating for 2026. This is among the highest ratings for any Michigan-based Medicare Advantage plan. For example, a priority health medicare review of competing carriers shows few Michigan plans match this score consistently.
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on Medicare plans, ratings, and enrollment:
- Medicare.gov (Official): medicare.gov
- CMS.gov (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid): cms.gov
- AM Best (Financial Strength Ratings): ambest.com
- NAIC (Complaint Ratios): naic.org
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): shiphelp.org
- Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): kff.org
Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.