The Coalition for Access and Affordability in Michigan (CAAM) commissioned Anderson Economic Group to complete an independent analysis of the special role played by Blue Cross in the Michigan health insurance market. In particular, we were commissioned to: review the Michigan health insurance market, identify the specific statutory mission of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) within that market, and to estimate, where data are available, the benefits and the burdens that result from the company’s activities under the current statutory mission.
As recently introduced legislation would change the relative burdens of Blue Cross and commercial insurers, it is informative to look at BCBSM’s historic role in the Michigan health in surance market, the original rationale for its unique tax benefit, and the costs and benefits of fulfilling its mission today. This paper looks at all of these areas to assess the impact of pending legislation.