Priority Health Taps Value-Based Care Expert as New Medical Chief

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – March 23, 2026 – Priority Health has named Dr. Brian Steele, a seasoned executive with deep expertise in value-based care and clinical transformation, as its new senior vice president and chief medical officer. The appointment, which follows a nationwide search, positions the Michigan-based nonprofit health plan to accelerate its strategies focused on improving care quality and affordability for its 1.4 million members. Dr. Steele is set to assume the role on April 6, 2026.

In his new capacity, Dr. Steele will oversee the entirety of Priority Health’s clinical and pharmacy programs. His leadership will be pivotal in shaping the plan's population health initiatives and chronic disease management strategies, areas critical to the evolving landscape of American healthcare. His appointment is being viewed by industry observers not just as a leadership change, but as a clear strategic maneuver to deepen the integration between care financing and delivery.

“Brian brings a unique blend of clinical depth, payer expertise and data-driven innovation that will accelerate our strategy and amplify our impact for our members, providers and the communities we serve,” said Nick Gates, president of Priority Health, in a statement. “His track record in quality, affordability and operational excellence makes him an outstanding leader for the next stage of our growth.”

A Strategic Push for Clinical Innovation

Dr. Steele joins Priority Health from Collaborative Health Systems, a division of Centene Corporation, where he served as chief medical officer. In that role, he was instrumental in guiding independent physician practices through the complex transition from traditional fee-for-service payment models to value-based care arrangements. His work focused on empowering providers with the tools and strategies needed to succeed in Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and other advanced payment models that reward positive health outcomes over the volume of services rendered.

This background is particularly relevant as health plans nationwide grapple with rising costs and the need for more effective, proactive care. Dr. Steele’s experience in leading clinical transformation across both payer and provider operations gives him a dual perspective that is highly sought after. He is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine with a background in family medicine, grounding his executive strategy in over two decades of direct clinical practice and academic instruction at the University of Rochester School of Medicine.

His appointment signals Priority Health’s intent to double down on data-driven approaches to healthcare. By leveraging analytics to identify at-risk populations and tailor interventions, the health plan aims to improve member health proactively, preventing costly acute episodes and better managing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and asthma.

Advancing the Provider-Sponsored Model

Priority Health operates as the third-largest provider-sponsored health plan (PSHP) in the United States, an identity that is central to its market strategy. As part of Corewell Health, one of Michigan’s largest integrated health systems, the plan is uniquely structured to foster deep alignment between insurance functions and direct patient care. This model inherently breaks down the traditional silos that often create friction and inefficiency between payers and providers.

In a PSHP, the chief medical officer plays the critical role of a bridge, ensuring that clinical protocols, quality initiatives, and financial incentives are all pointing in the same direction: toward better, more efficient patient care. Dr. Steele’s proven ability to partner effectively with physicians will be essential in maximizing the potential of this integrated model. His leadership is expected to enhance collaboration within the Corewell Health network, streamlining care coordination and creating a more seamless experience for individuals who are both Priority Health members and Corewell Health patients.

The advantages of this model include the ability to rapidly pilot and scale innovative care delivery programs. With shared goals and integrated data systems, a PSHP can more effectively manage population health, reduce administrative waste, and focus resources on preventive care and wellness initiatives that keep members healthier and out of the hospital.

What the New Leadership Means for Members

For Priority Health’s 1.4 million members across Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin, Dr. Steele’s leadership is intended to translate into tangible benefits. The focus on value-based care and population health is fundamentally about delivering better health outcomes at a more sustainable cost. This can manifest in several ways: more coordinated care for patients with complex or chronic illnesses, enhanced access to preventive screenings, and innovative programs designed to address social determinants of health, such as food security and transportation, which are known to have a significant impact on well-being.

Dr. Steele’s mandate includes reducing the overall cost of care not by restricting services, but by improving the health of the member population. By investing in chronic disease management and data-driven preventive strategies, the health plan aims to avoid more expensive downstream medical events, a core principle of value-based healthcare.

Reflecting on his new role, Dr. Steele expressed alignment with the organization's foundational goals. “Priority Health’s mission and vision to make health affordable and accessible resonate deeply with me,” he stated. “I look forward to partnering with our teams and providers to expand high-performing programs, advance population health and deliver improved outcomes that reduce the cost of care.”

As he prepares to step into his new role, the focus will be on how his extensive experience can be leveraged to fortify the connection between Priority Health and its provider partners, ultimately strengthening a system designed to place member health at the center of its operations.