Introduced by Sen. Joe Hune R-Hamburg on January 16, 2013
To convert Blue Cross Blue Shield into a “mutual insurance company” and make it subject to the same regulations as regular health insurers. Although it would remain a non-profit, current restrictions on the entity's ability to own for-profit subsidiaries would be reduced, and it would no longer be subject to close oversight by the state Attorney General. In return for being granted this conversion, BCBS would pay "up to" $1.56 billion over 18 years (meaning it could be less) into a fund that would supplement various health-related government programs, as selected by a board of political appointees. Official Text and Analysis.
Referred to the Senate Insurance Committee on January 16, 2013
Reported in the Senate on January 30, 2013
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
Amendment offered by Sen. Virgil Smith D-Detroit on January 31, 2013
To require that a union official be one of the members of the politically-appointed board that would decide where to spend the "up to" $1.56 billion over 18 years BCBS would be required to pay to supplement health-related government spending.
Amendment offered by Sen. Mark Jansen R-Cutlerville on January 31, 2013
To prohibit BCBS officers from being appointed to the board that would decide where to spend the "up to" $1.56 billion over 18 years that the entity would be required to pay to supplement health-related government spending.
The amendment passed by voice vote in the Senate on January 31, 2013
Amendment offered by Sen. Jim Marleau R-Lake Orion on January 31, 2013
To assert that the "up to" $1.56 billion over 18 years that BCBS would be required to pay to supplement government health-related spending should be on things that "improve health care quality" and reduce its cost.
The amendment passed by voice vote in the Senate on January 31, 2013
To convert Blue Cross Blue Shield into a “mutual insurance company” and make it subject to the same regulations as regular health insurers. Although it would remain a non-profit, current restrictions on the entity's ability to own for-profit subsidiaries would be reduced, and it would no longer be subject to close oversight by the state Attorney General. In return for being granted this conversion, BCBS would pay "up to" $1.56 billion over 18 years (meaning it could be less) into a fund that would supplement various health-related government programs, with specific spending items selected by a board of political appointees. The bill does not include abortion restrictions that caused Gov. Snyder to veto the same measure when passed late last year.
Received in the House on January 31, 2013
Referred to the House Insurance Committee on January 31, 2013
Reported in the House on February 21, 2013
With the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
Substitute offered in the House on February 27, 2013
The substitute failed by voice vote in the House on February 27, 2013
Substitute offered by Rep. Pete Lund R-Shelby Twp. on February 27, 2013
To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance as previously described.
The substitute passed by voice vote in the House on February 27, 2013
Amendment offered by Rep. Sam Singh D-East Lansing on February 27, 2013
To require that if there are any unspent appropriations at the end of a fiscal year, up to $75 million of the money must be spent on subsidizing "Medigap" insurance policies for individuals age 65 and older.
The amendment failed by voice vote in the House on February 27, 2013
Amendment offered by Rep. Andy Schor D-Lansing on February 27, 2013
To clarify that Blue Cross Blue Sheild property will be subject to property tax starting in 2014.
The amendment passed by voice vote in the House on February 27, 2013
Amendment offered by Rep. Kate Segal D-Battle Creek on February 27, 2013
To clarify references to individuals eligible for Medicare.
The amendment passed by voice vote in the House on February 27, 2013
Amendment offered by Rep. Andy Schor D-Lansing on February 28, 2013
To clarify that Blue Cross Blue Sheild property and that of any subsidiaries it owns or acquires will be subject to property tax starting in 2014.
The amendment passed by voice vote in the House on February 28, 2013