As the new year approaches, many employers are looking for cost effective ways to manage employee benefits expenses.  Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Michigan is continuing to address those specific needs of the employer and seek a more competitive position throughout the state of Michigan.   The latest effort begins with a host of changes that are effective January 1, 2012.  These changes will offer employer groups an opportunity to better manage increasing health care cost trends.

New Medical Plan Designs

The flexibility of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s (BCBSM) new Simply Blue^SM PPO,

Simply Blue ^SM HRA, and Simply Blue ^SM HSA plans available January 1^st allow employers to gradually move to new comprehensive benefit designs for increased cost-savings opportunities while maintaining the coverage their employees need.

Simply Blue PPO^SM

This PPO plan is competitively priced and provides employees with the benefits they want.

• Multiple deductible and copay plan options
• Preventive care covered at 100%
• 20% in-network coinsurance
• 40% out-of-network coinsurance
• Cost-sharing feature supports cost-effective use of services

Simply Blue HRA^SM

The Simply Blue deductible PPO plan can be paired with a health reimbursement arrangement providing the flexibility to help employees to cover out-of-pocket health expenses.

Simply Blue HSA^SM

The Simply Blue PPO plans are IRS-compliant to be paired with a health savings account offering employees a tax advantage and encouraging them to take responsibility of their health care dollars.

BlueHealthConnection®

Employees are provided with comprehensive wellness and care management through BlueHealthConnect. This unique program includes an online health assessment and coaching programs, 24/7 nurse line and health improvement programs including Quit the Nic, chronic condition management and case management.

Valuable Web resources

Employees have the convenience of viewing their account, benefit and claims information online anytime. They also can find and compare the cost and quality of doctors, hospitals and drug treatment options based on the criteria that is important to them with Healthcare Advisor, which is powered by WebMD.

Member Discounts

Employees can save money on healthy products and services with Healthy Blue Xtras^SM and Blue365® savings programs. This includes healthy products and services they use every day from companies across Michigan and the United States.

For additional information call the MOA at (800) 657-1556, or contact the Association Benefits dedicated MOA representative, Julie Watson (248) 359-6489 or julie@association-benefits.com