BCBSM has changed their Agent of Record policy. In particular, they have removed the 12-month rule in response to requests from their group customers. The change is effective immediately. Under the revised policy, when they receive a notice of a change in the agent of record, commissions become effective at the time premiums are paid, one month following 30 days from when they receive the letter.

Example: An AOR letter received on March 15 will result in commissions becoming effective with the May premium and payout with the June check.

The Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA), along with its sister group, the Michigan Food and Beverage Association (MFBA), work diligently to keep you up to date on our new federal healthcare law and how it will affect you, your family, and your business.

The most recent action dealing with our new healthcare law was the U.S. Supreme Court hearings that began this past Monday, March 26th, and concluded three days later on March 28th. The court heard arguments on the anti-injunction act, the individual mandate, and lastly, on the severability and Medicaid expansion. A ruling is expected by no later than early July, but rumors have also indicated that a decision may be delayed into the fall.

Details: Michigan is one of 26 states suing the federal government over the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which was signed into law two years ago. An unusually long stint of three days and six hours was given to the U.S. Supreme Court to hear challenges to overturn this law, arguments to maintain the law, and also statements were made by an attorney appointed by and representing the Obama Administration.

Anti-Injunction Act– On Monday, arguments began with one hour of whether or not the court can rule on the health reform law before its major provisions take effect in 2014.

Individual Mandate– Tuesday statements were heard for two hours on whether or not it is constitutional to require people to buy healthcare insurance.

Severability and Medicaid Expansion– Wednesday the court heard two issues: how much if any, of the rest of the law can be upheld if it strikes down the mandate section, and whether or not the federal government can force states to expand their Medicaid programs if they want federal money.

Due to the outcry of public interest in this case, the Supreme Court has provided audio recordings and transcripts of arguments on its website: www.supremecourt.gov

We will continue to keep you up to date on any new developments regarding this ruling, and as always please contact our Government Relations Team with questions/comments at: BBochniak@michbusiness.org or by phone at: 517-374-9128.

Visit our website www.michbusiness.org , and click the National Healthcare tab for more detailed information. In addition, please use our website to find more helpful links understanding your healthcare options, obligations, and frequently answered questions.

Michigan agents, are you looking for a different way to grab new clients’ attention?

Are you looking for tools that will make your agency run more efficiently? Manage more clients with the same staff?

BASIC Guru will provide your agency the tools to become more efficient at a reasonable cost. MBPA members enjoy a lower rate for BASIC Guru! The commission you earn on one new 25 person group will pay for unlimited access to BASIC Guru for your agency, your clients, and their employees.

Join us on:  April 12, 2012 at 1:00 pm or April 19, 2012 at 1:00 pm
Click here to register

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact our Membership Services Team at 1-888-277-6464 or 1-586-393-8800.

BASIC’s COBRA Administration reduces your client’s risk and frees valuable time and resources, allowing them  to focus on their active employees and operations.

• The Associations COBRA Administration program is open to all members – Starting at $25.00 per month!
• In addition to an affordable COBRA administration program, members who participate in our BASIC COBRA program will have complimentary access to HRAnswerLink, which is an online human resource support center that places human resource, legal and workplace information at the fingertips of small business.

If you have questions or need assistance please contact our Membership Services Team at 1-888-277-6464 or 1-586-393-8800.
 

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.