Priority Health announces new vice president

(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — March 6, 2024) Priority Health, a nationally recognized nonprofit health plan serving more than 1.3 million members, has named Julie Hurst as vice president of network development and contracting.

Under Hurst’s leadership, her teams are responsible for provider network analytics and negotiating provider agreements addressing both affordability and access for all lines of business. Her scope includes both fee-for-service and value-based agreements and developing Priority Health’s provider network contracting strategy.

She has dedicated her career to the health care industry with nearly 20 years of professional experience in administration and contract negotiations. Before joining Priority Health, she held leadership positions at Molina Healthcare, Trinity Health, Centene Corporation, Greater Genesee County ACO, HealthPlus of Michigan and McLaren Health Plan.

Hurst has a proven track record of designing innovative contract strategies and coaching team members to success. She is skilled in business development, provider relations, value-based contracting and building cross-functional teams.

“Julie is a longtime innovative health care leader with proven success in designing innovative contracting strategies and developing broad-based, tiered and narrow network products and value-based contract arrangements,” said Mike Jasperson, senior vice president of provider network and health plan operations. “We are excited to have her on the Priority Health team.”

Hurst began her role at Priority Health on January 1, 2024. She has a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in health care administration from Baker College.

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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.