The urgent need for Health Care Reform remains constant.  “Controlling health care costs,” scores as one of the top concerns almost every time we ask the question, “What is the biggest challenge facing your company today?” 

Far too often Michigan business people are forced to layoff workers or slow their hiring rate to help mitigate the meteoric rise of insurance costs.  While the overarching problem is truly national in scale, state action can help.  That was the case when your Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce went on record in support of efforts to eliminate the health care “add back” to the Single Business Tax in Michigan.

The Chamber board of directors established a comprehensive Health Care Consortium comprised of both employers and business leaders who share the mutual objective of reducing this ongoing strain to the business community’s bottom line.  While our manufacturers are not mandated to provide health care benefits for their employees, most do.

The goal of the Consortium, which has since become the Health Care Coalition of Michigan's Great Southwest, is to use the significant voice of more than 700 employers to promote the need for cost competitive and quality health care services.

This unit is also working on employer/employee education efforts to show all impacted parties ways to soften the blow of ever-increasing premiums through intelligent, thoughtful use of the health care system.  The effort has already expanded beyond the scope of the local chamber level by partnering with the Berrien County Manufacturer’s Association, the Niles/Buchanan area’s Southwest Michigan Economic Growth Alliance, and the Coloma-Watervliet Area Economic Development Corporation, to add their collective voice to the fray.

Major partners in the effort include Whirlpool Corporation, Lakeland Health Care,  IPC Print Services, Lake Michigan College and the  Berrien County Health Department.Three user-driven health care summits have been conducted to date, and more are in the planning stages.  We have also engaged the help of the Surgeon General of the State of Michigan and her organized efforts at the state level. 

Low-cost plan makes Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage affordable for young adults  

He feels invincible, but you know your newly minted adult child needs more than wishful thinking when it comes to his health coverage. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan offers affordable Young Adult BlueSM coverage to individuals ages 19 to 30. Young Adult Blue is a PPO — Preferred Provider Organization — that can help fill the gap for your children who are no longer eligible for coverage on your contract because of their age. Young Adult Blue ensures they have access to medical treatment when they need it. And it ensures an injury or illness won’t result in massive medical bills. A $1,000 annual deductible and 30 percent copayment for most in-network services help keep the monthly premium to less than $50. It’s a cost-effective option for parents and young adults who don’t want to risk the consequences of having no insurance. Young Adult Blue also includes:

• Affinity Rx, a prescription drug program that allows members to purchase prescription drugs at the reduced rates BCBSM has negotiated with pharmacies.
• The Blues discount programs for Weight Watchers®, Naturally BlueSM alternative treatments and BlueSafeSM safety and medical equipment.
• BlueHealthConnection® to help members reach health and fitness goals through online tools, 24-hour access to registered nurses, programs for certain chronic conditions and our free smoking cessation program, Quit the Nic.