Affordable. Predictable. Reliable. When businesses offer their employees health care coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network, we know these attributes are among their chief expectations. And with more than 80 percent of Michigan residents receiving health insurance through employer-sponsored plans, we also understand that the availability of affordable, predictable and reliable coverage options for our group customers is critical. Blue Cross’ work to moderate premiums for group customers and individual members consists of an ongoing, multi-faceted approach to address the drivers of health care costs while also exploring new ways to better serve our customers and members. From working with Michigan’s top doctors and hospitals to improve patient outcomes to encouraging member wellness through Virtual Well-Being and offering convenient telehealth options, we know each program success is another step in the right direction. In fact, for midsize business customers – those with 100-999 employees – these efforts are resulting in the lowest rate increases put forward since the implementation of the ACA for 2019 plans. PPO and HMO products both saw modest adjustments for the year – 2.6 percent and 1.6 percent rate increases, respectively. Improving the efficiency and quality of care, increasing access to cost-effective treatment options and promoting healthier habits represent only some of the ways we at Blue Cross strive to positively impact insurance rates. To address rising pharmacy costs, we’ve negotiated increased discounts and rebates for members, and actively monitor prescription pricing to reduce its impact on premiums through drug utilization management programs and the promotion of lower-cost treatment alternatives. We also use a comprehensive array of care management programs to help members with complex health conditions get the support they need to improve care and reduce the costs associated with their conditions. We believe these efforts, among many others, are just a few examples illustrating our commitment to coverage affordability, predictability and reliability, and why 92 percent of our midsize group customers renewed their coverage with us. While businesses are faced with tough decisions every day, providing employees with health coverage they can count on shouldn’t be one of them. And Blue Cross is working every day to make the decision a little bit easier by offering health plans that provide the care they need at a price they can afford.
