Get Macomb Blue!

In collaboration with the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, the non-profit Macomb Health Plan has linked with Blue Care Network of Michigan to offer an affordable option for employers who do not currently offer health care coverage for employees.

Based on a “third share” model, the program is affordable because Macomb Health Plan is able to cover a third of the monthly premium while both the employer and each covered employee covers the remaining two-thirds of the cost.   Currently, the overall monthly premium is $255 making the shared cost of each employer and employee $85 per month.  Dependents may be added for an additional fee.

Coverage is offered through Blue Care Network and includes preventative medicine (such as wellness visits and immunizations), prescription drug coverage, emergency care, hospitalization and ongoing support for chronic illness.  Participants choose a primary physician from a list of more than 13,000 doctors (including 900 in Macomb County) and 120 hospitals throughout the network.  Additional benefits to the program include discounts and access to programs designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle such as smoking cessation and weight management.

Businesses must meet several eligibility factors in order to qualify for participation:

+ The business must be based in Macomb County and in operation for at     least six months
+ The business may not be currently offering other health benefits or have     offered them in the past six months
+ 51 percent of employees must make less than $16 per hour
+ Part-time employees are eligible if they work an average of 17.5 hours per    week.

To date, there are 51 participating employers covering more than 225 employees.  As expected, employers that do not traditionally offer this benefit have joined such as restaurants, beauty salons and smaller commercial retailers.  However, a growing number of manufacturers are beginning to take advantage of the low rates and excellent coverage.

While an employer must pay at least a third of the expense, it is also possible for them to choose to pay more.  Some creative bosses are using this option as a means for offering an annual bonus to hard-working employees.  For instance, for each year that an employee remains on the payroll, the employer can pay a greater proportion of the total to lower the employee’s contribution.  This can be a great incentive for employers who want to reward the loyalty and productivity of employees in an affordable yet meaningful manner.

For more information, visit Macomb Blue or call 1-866-700-4686