DETROIT, June 13, 2019 – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network will be lowering rates for individual market health plans for the upcoming open enrollment period, pending approval of state regulators. Blue Care Network plans – representing 76 percent of total individual product enrollment in 2019 – will see an average decrease of 1.2 percent. BCBSM PPO plans will experience an average rate decrease of 7.7 percent. “Over the last couple years, we’ve been pleased to see a slow trend of stabilization in the individual market that’s now made it possible for us to offer members lower rates,” said Terry Burke, vice president of Individual Business for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “Though the health care landscape is ever-changing, Blue Cross has remained an insurer our members can count on and we look forward to continuing our work in delivering quality, affordable coverage in every county in Michigan.” Blue Cross and BCN will continue to provide a variety of plan options – 29 total plans across Gold, Silver, Bronze and Catastrophic levels – with the addition of one new product, “Blue Cross Premier PPO Gold 70/30,” for 2020 enrollment. “Blue Cross Premier was designed for consumers looking for more predictability when utilizing their health plan,” said Burke. “The plan helps reduce confusion and surprise expenses by offering a monthly cost structure featuring a set coinsurance amount with no deductibles or copays.” Blue Cross’ rate moderation is a result of its ongoing efforts to deliver higher quality and more cost-efficient care to the market in collaboration with physicians and hospitals across the state. These efforts include the company’s value-based reimbursement programs with providers, the nation’s largest Patient-Centered Medical Home initiative and more than 25 other Value Partnerships programs, which have saved $1.4 billion in costs statewide. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit mutual insurance company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSM provides health benefits to more than 4.7 million members residing in Michigan in addition to employees of Michigan-headquartered companies residing outside the state. The company has been committed to delivering affordable health care products through a broad variety of plans for businesses, individuals and seniors for 80 years. Beyond health care coverage, BCBSM supports impactful community initiatives and provides leadership in improving health care. For more information, visit bcbsm.com and MiBluesPerspectives.com.
