Monday, December 6, 2010
A day in the Life of a BCBSM ID card - Part Two: Eye Doctor Visit
Friday, December 3, 2010
Congratulations to Steve Anderson, winner of The Biggest Loser: Detroit Edition II!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Detroit’s Biggest Loser winner to be announced
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Michigan Health Insurance Payers Collaborate in National Program to Improve Health Care
Monday, November 8, 2010
A day in the life of a Blues ID card
- You have health coverage that helps you stay well and takes care of you when you’re sick.
- Your card is recognized nationwide when you travel because it is backed by one of the most trusted health care symbols in the country — the Blue Cross® and Blue Shield®.
- You have access to great Blues advantages with discounts and special offers on everything from groceries to fitness gear with the support of our Healthy Blue XtrasSM and Blue365® programs.
Monday, November 1, 2010
BCBSM editorial in Crain's Detroit Business
The following is an editorial from Andrew Hetzel, vice president of corporate communications at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan that first-appeared in Crain's Detroit Business on Oct. 31, 2010:
Allow the Blues to work out the best contract
On Oct. 18, the U.S. government sued Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for delivering the lowest possible health care prices to our customers through the reimbursement contracts we negotiate with Michigan hospitals.
Especially now, as the government puts intense political pressure on private insurers to control premiums, it makes no sense for it to undermine the ability of insurers to negotiate the most favorable pricing we can possibly achieve.
Health care costs are straining the resources of every business and family in Michigan. BCBSM covers about 4 million Michiganders and is obligated by a 30-year-old state law to provide statewide access to health care at a reasonable cost.
None of our competitors share the Blues' statutory mission. To fulfill it, BCBSM prioritizes having contracts in place with all Michigan acute care hospitals, while ensuring that these contracts deliver exceptional value to our customers in the form of the deepest possible volume discount savings.
BCBSM's negotiated volume discounts across all hospitals, physicians and pharmacies in our network saved our customers nearly $13 billion in 2009 alone. Our payout that year approached $20 billion. The impact of that level of annual savings on the affordability of health care in Michigan cannot be overstated.
The government alleges that BCBSM is quashing competition by delivering low-price guarantees in our contracts. But competition is thriving in Michigan's health insurance market. BCBSM membership has declined over the past two years, while membership in competing HMOs has risen. There is price and service competition in Michigan. Some HMOs have aggressively acquired competitors to expand their service areas and compete with BCBSM. BCBSM, while large, has less than 50 percent market share in the majority of Michigan counties.
A tenet of American commerce is that large customer volume drives low prices. If you shop at a mega retailer — or if you are an American taxpayer served by the use of "most favored nation" clauses in U.S. government contracts — you benefit from low prices driven by volume discounts.
The same should hold true for health care. Large-volume payers such as BCBSM should have the ability to negotiate fair and reasonable reimbursement arrangements with hospitals that deliver the best possible price to our customers. These arrangements help the hospitals — which enter into them willingly — with revenue flow and a reasonable margin above their cost. They also provide our customers what they demand — low prices that keep health care more affordable.
View the original article: http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20101031/FREE/310319980
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Biggest Loser contestants get into the “spirit” of Halloween with some healthy fall recipes
Friday, October 22, 2010
Pre-existing conditions hinder people’s ability to find affordable coverage in Michigan
The problem in Michigan is that Blue Cross's mission is unique. No other insurer -- until national reform takes full affect in 2014 -- covers the sick. This leaves Michigan consumers with pre-existing conditions with only one option. And this is where Dr. Steele's comment needs clarification.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Statewide collaboration reduces complications from surgeries; Improves quality
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Who will you inspire to start their journey towards wellness and weight loss? This is Eric’s story of how he was able to walk his way to better health.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Biggest Loser: Detroit Edition 2009 winner offers advice to current contestants
Biggest Loser:
Yesterday, Marilyn met with the contestants to talk about the triumphs and struggles of her weight-loss journey on WDIV’s 5 p.m. news broadcast. She talked about finding a balance between eating healthy but occasionally enjoying her favorite (but not so healthy) foods.
“Last weekend I had a wedding to go to. I knew I was going to have a glass of wine and a piece of cake. But I also knew that the next day I was going to head to the gym,” she said.
Michelle Fullerton, Blue Cross director of Wellness & Care Management, is interviewed by WDIV reporter Shawn Ley.
“This is more than an 11-week weight-loss contest, it’s a lifestyle change,” she said.
Who will you inspire? This is Rose’s story.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Who will you inspire? This is Jon’s story.
So, who will you inspire? Join our walking movement. Your success story could change someone’s life.
Questions or comments for Jon? He blogs every Tuesday on aHealthierMichigan.org
Monday, October 11, 2010
Biggest Loser: Detroit Edition II contestants stay motivated to reach weight-loss goals
Losing weight is more than a physical challenge, it’s a psychological battle that can take a demanding toll on the mind and spirit. Staying motivated can be one of the most difficult aspects of losing weight.
Biggest Loser: Detroit Edition II contestants know the psychological battle with weight loss all too well. For the past seven weeks each has worked hard to stay motivated, but the journey has not always been easy.
The Biggest Loser:
The contestants of this year’s competition include:
· Steve Anderson,
· Tia Finney,
· Sandra Ray,
· Calvin Poellnitz,
· Mary Beth Klawender,
· Greg Czar,
You can follow the inspiring stories of each contestant on their blogs found here: http://www.biggestloserdetroit.com, and help them stay motivated by commenting on the site and sharing links with your friends. You can also see how they continue to support one another as they comment on each others’ posts.
You can also tune in to WDIV (Local 4) to learn how Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan health coaches provide emotional support to the contestants, and see how last year’s Biggest Loser: Detroit Edition winner, Marilyn Kluka continues her commitment to a healthy lifestyle almost one year later.
Marilyn lost more than 70 pounds since her weight-loss journey began with last year’s Biggest Loser: Detroit Edition.
The winner of this year’s competition will receive prizes, including a spot as the honorary Grand Marshall of
Questions or comments for Jodi? Send them to jodi@ahealthiermichigan.org
Friday, October 8, 2010
BCBSM is working hard to help Michigan small businesses grow
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
New BCBSM website emphasizes the importance of total body health
Friday, October 1, 2010
Programs and discounts with Michigan doctors and hospitals managing costs, improving quality of health care
- Doctors participating in our Physician Group Incentive Program saved nearly $9.5 million in 2009 through more judicious use of high- and low-tech radiology services.
- An initiative to increase use of generic drugs helped save $700 million over seven years.
- A collaborative initiative targeting angioplasty in hospitals saves an estimated $15.2 million annually and has reduced both hospital deaths and post-procedure blood transfusions by nearly a third.
- A cardiac surgery initiative has decreased incidence rates of post-surgical prolonged ventilation, saving $25,000 per case.
- And our Patient-Centered Medical Home program, at 1,800 participating physicians, is the largest in the nation and is beginning to see positive effects in just its second full year. Preliminary data have shown that PCMH practices have lower rates for adult and pediatric inpatient admissions, radiology utilization and ER visits than non-PCMH practices. Comprehensive data on first-year results of the program are expected later this year.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Body & Soul BLUE Challenge entrants mark the midpoint with an outpouring of spirit
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Lack of cost containment, onerous tax reporting among biz concerns over health care reform
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Health reform at 6 months: No more exclusions or waiting periods for children with pre-existing health conditions
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Health reform at 6 months: Protecting your choice of doctor and access to emergency services
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Health reform at 6 months: The sun sets on lifetime dollar limits for care
Monday, September 20, 2010
Health reform at 6 months: Free checkups and tetanus shots, anyone?
Health reform at 6 months: Eligibility for dependent coverage extends to age 26
Friday, September 17, 2010
2010 West Michigan Policy Forum Highlights the Impact of Health Care in Michigan
Friday, September 10, 2010
Blue Cross kicks off wellness efforts across the state
- 100 Black Men of Greater Detroit Walk
- Run for Your Heart community races
- Body and Soul Blue Fitness Challenge
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Technology, medical equipment driving health care costs
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Heart attack survivor realizes value of the Blues
Thursday, September 2, 2010
General Motors shows off new models during Ride & Drive event in Detroit
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
New Blue Cross partnership with U-M, Michigan hospitals aims to clear risk of blood clots in patients
Friday, August 27, 2010
Biggest Loser: Detroit Edition II contestants to be revealed Monday, Aug. 30
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is teaming up with WDIV-TV and The Parade Company to announce participants in The Biggest Loser: Detroit Edition II.
The six Biggest Loser: Detroit Edition II finalists will be revealed during the WDIV newscast on Monday, Aug. 30, beginning at 4 p.m. During the announcement, BCBSM President and CEO Daniel J. Loepp will be interviewed by Chuck Gaidica during the 5 p.m. newscast.
This year, 310 people entered the contest. That’s 100 more applicants than last year. The applicants were narrowed down to 60 who were called back for audition interviews. From there, the final six were chosen.