3/1/13 - The Michigan House has approved legislation sponsored by a local lawmaker that would transform Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan from a charitable trust into a customer-owned nonprofit. The Michigan Attorney Generalâs Office says the proposed overhaul will hurt thousands of senior citizens who rely on a specific form of coverage called Medigap. Itâs a supplemental policy that picks up expenses not covered under Medicare. Spokeswoman Joy Yearout says Attorney General Bill Schuette negotiated a historic 5-year rate freeze for the more than 200,000 seniors who rely on Medigap coverage through Blue Cross to ensure they could continue to afford it. She says the legislation that passed doesnât answer any questions about what happens when that rate freeze expires. The bills are sponsored by Hamburg Township Senator Joe Hune. He tells WHMI they shared initial concerns about how to best protect seniors and others, which is why the legislation that just passed includes a four year rate freeze for those on Medigap, followed by an additional five years in which a $120 (m) subsidy is provided. Hune says that means seniors and others will be protected and have a nine-year safety net. The Blues legislation now goes back to the Senate for concurrence and Hune says he hopes to have it on the Governorâs desk by Tuesday. (JM)
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