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Blue Cross volunteers pose for a picture in Burton Elementary's media center.
Moms and their kids pose for a picture at the Children's Healing Center
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80 Years Logo

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Celebrates 80 Years

80 Years Logo

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Celebrates 80 Years

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A history of commitment to improving health in Michigan communities

In 2019, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will celebrate its 80th anniversary. That’s 80 years of increasing access to affordable health care, enhancing patient care and improving the health of Michigan’s citizens and communities. But we didn’t get here on our own. Throughout the year, we’re expressing gratitude and thankfulness for the people and places that have shaped who we are.

SEE OUR HISTORICAL TIMELINE

A message from President and CEO Daniel J. Loepp

 

A history of partnership

Although a lot has changed over 80 years, one constant is the valuable partnerships we’ve forged throughout that time.

Making Michigan healthier is work made lighter through the many hands undertaking on-the-ground efforts in places where people live and work. We’re grateful for the many organizations and people we partner with throughout the state that help us do that.

Here are some of their stories.

Covered for 78 Years: Josephine's Story

Josephine Evangelista has been a Blue Cross customer for almost as long as we’ve been a health insurer.

 

 

 

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Serving Michigan Seniors

In Michigan, 16 regional Area Agencies on Aging serve as a resource for seniors and their families in every corner of the state.

 

 

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Changing Lives

At Detroit’s Mariners Inn, recovery is possible.

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Advocating for Healthy Food Access

The abundance of farmers markets in Michigan didn’t happen by chance. Behind the scenes, the Michigan Farmers Market Association helps farmers and vendors sustain a thriving marketplace and works to ensure access for Michiganders everywhere, healthy advocacy we’re thankful for.

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More Stories

Additional Partners

Michigan Safety Net Providers

Clinic staff helping patient

When people in Michigan don’t have health insurance or can’t afford health care, a robust network of safety net providers helps fill the gaps. We’ve been proud to partner and provide funding to a variety of free clinics, federally qualified health centers and other organizations dedicated to ensuring access to care for every Michigander.

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Northern Michigan University

Women walking at the Superior Dome

NMU Wildcats enjoy a rigorous academic experience at this Marquette-based university, with ample access to the natural beauty of Lake Superior shores. When the weather turns cold and gloomy, residents can walk inside at the school’s iconic wooden dome, thanks to a partnership between Blue Cross, NMU and U.P. Health System – Marquette.

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Historical Timeline

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1939

During the 1930s, hospitals went bankrupt and two of every three doctor bills went unpaid. The time was right for a new idea: prepaid health care. The Michigan Society for Group Hospitalization, a forerunner of Blue Cross, signs its first subscriber.

Woman in front of a Michigan Medical Service sign

1940s

The Michigan Medical Service, a forerunner of Blue Shield, starts up with a $10,000 loan from the Michigan State Medical Society. The Michigan Society for Group Hospitalization changes its name to Michigan Hospital Service and starts using the Blue Cross symbol.

Blue Cross display at a fair.

1950s

Individual health plans are marketed for the first time, while Michigan Blue Cross and Michigan Blue Shield develop and market health plans for individual senior citizens who are not eligible for group coverage.

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1960s

As medical care improves and health care costs rise, many can’t afford health care. To address this problem, Medicare and Medicaid are enacted, and the government selects Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies to administer the program.

Blue Cross tower in the 70s

1970s

In 1975, Michigan Blue Cross and Michigan Blue Shield consolidate into a single corporation, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan, with customers and subscribers increasing their majority control of the new board of directors to 59 percent.

Old cigarette vending machine

1980s

Blue Cross offers hospitals a new reimbursement contract that replaces the fixed-payment per-case system with a cost-based, global payment system. Eventually, all community hospitals in the state agree to participate.

Steketee's building in Grand Rapids

1990s

New regional service centers open in downtown Grand Rapids, Marquette and Portage. The Bricktown Customer Service Plaza building opens in downtown Detroit adjacent to the Blues’ existing downtown 21-story office tower.

Ernie Harwell

2000s

Blue Cross launches a new statewide physical activity program called WalkingWorks, led by Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell, an avid walker. Daniel J. Loepp is selected by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Board of Directors to become CEO in 2005, a role he still holds today.

Dan Loepp celebrating BCBSM's return to Detroit

2010s

The Michigan Legislature passes bills allowing the Board of Directors to transition the company to a tax-paying, nonprofit mutual insurer. Blue Cross begins operating as a nonprofit mutual insurance company and holds its first member meeting in 2014.