Lawmakers reintroduce Blue Cross mutualization

Plans to convert Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan into a mutual insurance company are again moving forward, reported the Lansing State Journal. In his State of the State address, Gov. Rick Snyder reiterated his support for the overhaul despite vetoing a bill last month that would have approved the conversion.

Shortly thereafter, two lawmakers reintroduced legislation (S.B. 61 and 62) that would shift Blue Cross from the state's insurer of last resort to a nonprofit mutual company that pays taxes. This time, however, the bills lack the abortion provision that led to Snyder's veto. In response, BCBS spokesman Andrew Hetzel said the insurer is "encouraged by the Governor's emphasis on making these reforms a priority," adding that it hopes for "prompt attention by lawmakers within the first quarter of this year." Article