2005 Senate Bill 56

Move teachers to state health insurance

Introduced in the Senate

Jan. 25, 2005

Introduced by Sen. Shirley Johnson (R-13)

To prohibit collective bargaining between school employers and employees over health insurance. Instead, school employees would be covered by the state plan proposed by Senate Bill 55. Slightly 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 Appropriations