2005 Senate Bill 849 / 2006 Public Act 413

Mandate BCBS “wellness” plans

Introduced in the Senate

Oct. 27, 2005

Introduced by Sen. Tom George (R-20)

To require Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) to provide “wellness plans” to group insurance sponsors (employers) in which a rebate of up to 10 percent would be paid at the end of the year if the majority of employees have enrolled in a health wellness, maintenance, or improvement program offered by the employer, and maintenance or improvement of the employees’ health status can be demonstrated by health status indicators agreed by the employer and BCBS. Also, to require BCBS to offer a similar plan to those who purchase individual coverage, which would require the individual and his or her family to participate in a "wellness" program sponsored by BCBS.

Referred to the Committee on Health Policy

March 14, 2006

Reported without amendment

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

March 15, 2006

Substitute offered

To allow rather than require the insurer to offer the "wellness plans".

The substitute passed by voice vote

March 16, 2006

Amendment offered by Sen. Bob Emerson (D-27)

To prohibit an employer from firing, demoting or cutting the pay of an employee who chooses not to participate in a "wellness program".

Consideration postponed

May 9, 2006

Withdrawn by Sen. Bob Emerson (D-27)

Substitute offered by Sen. Tom George (R-20)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 36 to 2 (details)

To allow Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) to provide “wellness plans” to group insurance sponsors (employers) in which a rebate of up to 10 percent would be paid at the end of the year if the majority of employees have enrolled in a health wellness, maintenance, or improvement program offered by the employer, and maintenance or improvement of the employees’ health status can be demonstrated by health status indicators agreed by the employer and BCBS. Also, to allow BCBS to offer a similar plan to those who purchase individual coverage, which would require the individual and his or her family to participate in a "wellness" program sponsored by BCBS.

Received in the House

May 9, 2006

Referred to the Committee on Health Policy

May 23, 2006

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

Sept. 13, 2006

Passed in the House 73 to 33 (details)

To allow Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) to provide “wellness plans” to group insurance sponsors (employers) in which a rebate of up to 10 percent would be paid at the end of the year if the majority of employees have enrolled in a health wellness, maintenance, or improvement program offered by the employer, and maintenance or improvement of the employees’ health status can be demonstrated by health status indicators agreed by the employer and BCBS. Also, to allow BCBS to offer a similar plan to those who purchase individual coverage, which would require the individual and his or her family to participate in a "wellness" program sponsored by BCBS.

Motion by Rep. Chris Ward (R-66)

To give the bill immediate effect.

The motion failed 71 to 35 (details)

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

Sept. 29, 2006