Blue Cross Bills Easily Pass State Senate

Legislation to overhaul Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan easily passed the state Senate Wednesday.

The bills would turn the state’s largest health insurer into a customer-owned non-profit. Only four Senators voted against the package.

Sponsor Joe Hune says the move will even the playing field for all health insurers.

“We are, in these two bills, setting up an interesting path," he says. "An interesting path for an ever-changing insurance market here in Michigan.”

State Attorney General Bill Schuette had criticized the plan, saying it could jeopardize healthcare coverage for seniors. He now says protections are in place, and the legislation is a “step in the right direction”.