RELEASE

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Reduces 2023 PPO Rates for Small Business Customers

Meghan O'Brien

| 2 min read

DETROIT, March 31, 2023 – Small group PPO customers renewing in the third and fourth quarters of 2023 will see lower-than-expected statewide average rate increases on their Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan plans. Following favorable emerging claims experience, the Q3 and Q4 small group PPO statewide average increase was adjusted from 5.3 percent to one percent, a more than four percent drop representing Blue Cross’ ongoing effort to moderate costs.
While rate adjustments will vary by region, re-filed average rates will consist of a one percent increase for BCBSM PPO plans (pending regulatory approval), and average increases for BCN HMO plans will remain at the previously filed 6.6 percent. Since 2015, small group rates have remained moderate, delivering reliable coverage at a predictable price point for small businesses.
"We understand that lower health insurance costs for small businesses equates to more stability for employers,” said Sandra Fester, vice president of Michigan Business at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “The success of small businesses is critical to upholding many of the communities we serve and providing affordable health care coverage options plays a significant role in supporting that success.”
Michigan is home to more than 902,000 small businesses, which employ 48% of the state’s workforce. Currently, over 280,000 Blue Cross members receive health care coverage through small business employers.
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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit mutual insurance company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSM provides health benefits to more than 4.7 million members residing in Michigan in addition to employees of Michigan-headquartered companies residing outside the state. The company has been committed to delivering affordable health care products through a broad variety of plans for businesses, individuals and seniors for more than 80 years. Beyond health care coverage, BCBSM supports impactful community initiatives and provides leadership in improving health care. For more information, visit bcbsm.com and MiBluesPerspectives.com.
MI Blues Perspectives is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association