Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan salutes Senate committee passage of Gov. Snyder’s health insurance reform legislation

DETROIT, Oct. 16, 2012 — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan issued the following statement today following Senate Insurance Committee passage of legislation proposed by Gov. Rick Snyder and authored by Sen. Joe Hune to modernize Michigan’s health insurance regulatory system and enable BCBSM to transition to a nonprofit mutual insurance company:

“Blue Cross is pleased with the continued progress of this important legislation,” said Andrew Hetzel, BCBSM vice president for corporate communications.  “The legislation sent to the full Senate today reflects the outcome of a deliberative, inclusive process by Senator Hune to listen to multiple points of view in fashioning a modern, efficient system of health insurance regulation for Michigan.  The Senate is advancing the Governor’s vision of a fair system where all insurers play by the same rules and where market forces ensure greater competition and choice of affordable health insurance plans,” Hetzel said.

“The Senate changed the legislation in several ways during its committee hearing process to accommodate the priorities of the Attorney General, advocates for seniors and Blue Cross’ competitors,” Hetzel said.  “The full Senate will vote on bills that represent a diverse array of voices and opinions.  Blue Cross remains supportive of this legislation as it creates a system where all insurers play by the same rules, while preserving the Blues’ nonprofit status and continuing our charitable contributions for the coming decades.  It’s good legislation that sets Michigan up for success in the future as our health insurance market continues to change.”

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more news and information click here.