Priority Health Expands Midwest Presence with Acquisition of Physicians Health Plan of Northern Indiana

• Priority Health has completed its acquisition of Physicians Health Plan of Northern Indiana (PHPNI), expanding its footprint into Ohio and Indiana markets.
• The strategic merger combines Priority Health's 1.3 million member base with PHPNI's 52,000 members, creating enhanced healthcare plan offerings for all members.
• The acquisition, finalized on December 1, positions both organizations to leverage their strengths for future growth and innovation in healthcare delivery.

Priority Health has successfully completed its acquisition of Fort Wayne-based Physicians Health Plan of Northern Indiana (PHPNI), marking a significant expansion of its healthcare coverage footprint in the Midwest. The deal, which closed on December 1, follows an initial announcement made in June and represents a strategic move to enhance healthcare plan offerings across multiple states.

The merger brings together Priority Health's substantial membership base of over 1.3 million members with PHPNI's 52,000-plus members, creating a more robust healthcare network across Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. This expansion is expected to provide members from both organizations access to enhanced plan offerings and resources.

Gary Shearer, president and CEO of PHPNI, expressed optimism about the merger's potential impact: "Joining Priority Health has great potential to offer additional resources and innovation to PHPNI customers and members. We expect this transaction will benefit the communities and businesses we serve."

Strategic Growth and Integration Plans

Praveen Thadani, president and CEO of Priority Health, outlined the next steps following the acquisition: "With approvals complete, we will now be working over the next several months to develop opportunities for both companies to continue to grow and leverage each other's strengths as we plan for future growth."

The transaction was facilitated with financial advisory services from Cain Brothers, while legal guidance was provided by Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP for PHPNI and Taft Stettinius & Hollister for Priority Health.

Market Impact and Future Outlook

This strategic acquisition represents a significant development in the regional healthcare landscape, potentially reshaping healthcare delivery and access across the Midwest. The combined expertise and resources of both organizations are expected to drive innovation in healthcare plan offerings and enhance service delivery to members across all markets.

The integration process will focus on maintaining service continuity while gradually introducing enhanced offerings to members of both plans. This expansion is positioned to strengthen Priority Health's market presence while preserving PHPNI's established relationships in Northern Indiana.