2005 House Bill 4274

Require MESSA disclosures

Introduced in the House

Feb. 15, 2005

Introduced by Rep. Barb Vander Veen (R-89)

To require the Michigan Education Special Services Association (MESSA) to disclose to school districts a summary of health care services that were actually used by the teachers for whom it administers health insurance. This would allow potential alternative insurance providers to estimate the cost of providing health coverage, and so compete for the business. Most regular insurers provide such claims data to their clients. More than half of Michigan teachers are currently covered by MESSA, an arm of the Michigan Education Association teachers union, which repackages Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance, collects premiums, and administers benefits. Most other teachers are covered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield without MESSA involvement.

Referred to the Committee on Education

May 19, 2005

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.