Blue Cross & Blue Shield Program (BCBSM)

Background
MML Employee Benefits Services began in 1987 as a program designed to facilitate the daily administration of municipal Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) programs. We believe that we have provided an administrative benefit which cuts through much of the red tape involved in dealing with the daily administration of your health benefits program.

The MML Employee Benefits Services program is cosponsored by the Michigan Townships Association.

Eligibility	Members of the Michigan Municipal League and/or the Michigan Townships Association are welcome to participate. Authorities created by these members and that are still classified as being a part of the governing body are generally eligible.
Cost	None. There are no additional charges added to MML Employee Benefits Services members’ premiums or rates for this service.
Agents	The participating municipal entity is free to use the licensed agent of their choice to represent them. To become participants, the municipality need only ask the agent involved to enroll them in the Michigan Municipal League’s BCBSM program.
Services	MML Employee Benefits Services include: Monthly premium billing and premium collection Daily maintenance of employee additions, deletions and changes Rate quotations, program alternatives and problem solving
Programs	Municipalities with negotiated contracts are not limited by a preselected menu of program choices whether or not they are currently with BCBSM. Newly enrolled employers or units not subject to bargaining may choose any of BCBSM’s program for which it is eligible. Existing BCBSM members coming into MML Employee Benefits Services may keep their same program, or, if they are not subject to bargaining, they may change to another program.
Claims	MML Employee Benefits Services does not handle claims. The responsibility for all aspects of the claim process belongs with BCBSM. Assistance with claim problems is greatly facilitated, however, by the Dedicated Association Servicing Unit at 1.800.432.9881.
Rating	The BCBSM Public Sector Rating System applies to all MML Employee Benefits Services business with less than 100 employees. Any group with a SIC number designating it as a public entity will be rated on this basis by BCBSM regardless of where the group obtains its health coverage. Likewise, any BCBSM programs offered by other Associations or plans for which a municipality may be eligible can be matched by MML Employee Benefits Services.
Statistics	The MML Employee Benefits Services program currently provides administration for: 203 cities and villages 156 townships 27 miscellaneous entities approximately 17,000 public employees including their families over $50,000,000 in premiums annually

Contact: Richard Forton
Phone: 616.389.2008 or E-mail: rforton@bcbsm.com