Good for you

A message from the President and CEO

As a nonprofit company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is committed to returning value to our stakeholders through everything we do. As we look back at 2011, it is evident to me that while Blue Cross accomplished many great things we set out to do, the value of those accomplishments truly accrues to our customers, stakeholders and state.

Enhancing the delivery of care

Strong partnerships with doctors and hospitals can make the next generation of health care better — today. By expanding our Patient-Centered Medical Home program and finalizing a groundbreaking framework to provide better hospital payments for better health outcomes, our work with the provider community is strengthening the well-being of patients.

That's good for everyone who accesses the health care system in Michigan.

Influencing the bottom line

Our innovative products and programs that encourage healthier lifestyles are paying off — quite literally. In 2011, our group customers benefited from the lowest statewide average rate increases in six years. The result is a business community better able to invest in growth, while continuing to provide quality health care coverage.

That's good for our customers.

Preparing for the future

The final implementation of the Affordable Care Act in 2014 promises expanded access to coverage for everyone in Michigan. The implications for our business and our customers are broad. In 2011, we introduced strategic solutions to ensure our company and our stakeholders are ready.

That's good business sense.

Strengthening our cities

Our communities are the life force of our state, and our core cities remain focal points of the economic viability and competitiveness of the regions around them. In 2011, we invested in Michigan through healthy living partnerships, programs and grants.

Additionally, the consolidation of our Southeast Michigan and Lansing workforces within the core cities of Detroit and Lansing strengthened two of our state's key economies by adding jobs and economic development investment in downtowns where our employees are not only coming to work, but looking to make their homes.

That's good for Michigan.

The best part of the story is that it continues. Read on to learn more about how the progress we made in 2011 is improving service, improving care and improving the communities where we live and work.

Daniel J. Loepp
President and CEO
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan