A Message from MBPA President and CEO Jennifer Kluge

By Jennifer Kluge
MBPA/MFBA

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan made several announcements this week related to restructuring the Managing Agent distribution system. At the MBPA, we have reached out to all the Managing Agencies affected by these changes and are working diligently to assist them with the transition ahead. We have received many calls from the agent community with questions about these changes. The MBPA will continue to offer all of our services to the Agent community including our SPDs, Section 125s, Cobra Administration and many other services and programs. And yes, you can continue to write all of your Blue business with the MBPA for all products under 100 lives. We will continue to work with Grotenhuis and Action Benefits as we have in the past and our relationship with you has not been impacted by the recent announcement.

 
Change is now the new normal as it relates to PPACA and reform.  As an agent, it’s important to become involved in understanding PPACA and the impact that it can have on your client base. I would like to remind you that the MBPA has been a strong player at the legislative table regarding PPACA, the formation of  an exchange in Michigan and the impact of this legislation on the future. We have been relentlessly advocating for the interests of small business, our members and the inclusion of agents in the formation of a Michigan exchange. These efforts have been mirrored by other business organizations that we have been working side by side with in Lansing to represent the best interests for all of us. While we have made significant advances, there is still much work to be done.

 
To assist you, we have many tools and resources for you including a webinar this month on the requirements needed in 2012 for compliance for you and your clients. We would encourage you to invite your clients to attend. We have also created templates on presentations that you can make to your clients to help them better understand what is ahead. Please continue to look to the MBPA for these resources and services as the future ahead of us changes.

 
On a personal note, it has been a pleasure working with so many wonderful people in the Managing Agent community and we wish them only the very best as they explore new opportunities. Rest assured, they have our support and access to the vast MBPA network of resources to assist in this delicate transition. For you as an agent, you can expect the same level of service and access to programs as you have before. Please feel comfortable reaching out to us for any of your needs.