Blues partner with Detroit firm to create Michigan jobs, avoid outsourcing

An innovative solution to a common business dilemma is creating new jobs in Michigan rather than outsourcing them overseas. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is the first anchor client for Strategic Staffing Solutions’ new contract IT development center in downtown Detroit. The center will help the Blues realize savings while initially creating 53 jobs. The goal is to have 150 working at the Penobscot Building office by year’s end and more than 400 workers in four years.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s reaction to national health care reform

National health care reform is law that will likely change how health care is financed, delivered and regulated for years to come. Michigan Blue Cross’ executive leaders have been answering questions from news media about its positive effects , impact on us and our members, and our reaction to what is going on. We’re ready to adapt to these regulatory changes, but also realize that more reform will be necessary to control the escalating cost of health care.

Despite being lumped with other insurers, Michigan Blues are models of health care reform.

The Obama administration recently criticized health insurers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, for raising rates. That criticism overlooks a huge, key factor: We’re already well aligned with where the president wants to go with health care reform. As a guest columnist in today’s Detroit News, CEO and President Dan Loepp explains how the Blues are swimming upstream in Michigan’s out-of-balance health care market.

New Blues savings program targets personal health.

A new program from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan rewards your pocketbook when you make healthy purchases. The Healthy Blue Xtras is a savings program that offers members discounts and special offers with Michigan-based companies like Weight Watchers, Moosejaw and Shanty Creek Resorts. Both AnnArbor.com and The Detroit News profiled the initiative in recent stories.

Nursing retention program earns recognition.

Efforts are underway to keep nurses in the field and extend their careers. Nursing for Life: the RN Career Transition Program, developed by the College of Nursing at Michigan State University, is helping build and retain Michigan's nursing workforce. Nursing for Life is a joint project of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation and the MSU College of Nursing. Read why the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation supports the program.

Modern healthcare praises BCBSM's Project Boost

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is working with the University of Michigan and the Society of Hospital Medicine on a new program to avoid unplanned or preventable readmissions to hospitals.  Read about it in Modern Healthcare.