Whitmer: Insurers Agree To Continue Covering Preventative Services

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that insurers representing 100% of the fully insured health insurance market in Michigan have agreed to maintain no-cost preventive healthcare services despite a Texas federal judge’s decision in Braidwood Management. Inc. v. Becerra that struck down that requirement under the Affordable Care Act. While the court’s decision is being appealed, 2.1 million Michiganders will maintain their current preventive healthcare coverage until the end of the case’s legal process.

“Preventive healthcare saves lives and that’s why we are taking immediate action to ensure this critical coverage is continued,” said Governor Whitmer. “No one should have to wait for a court decision to decide whether they can afford to go see a doctor. As the legal process moves forward, we will continue to take proactive steps to protect people’s healthcare.”

“These agreements provide certainty to consumers and ensure that coverage for no-cost preventive healthcare services is maintained despite the Texas court decision until the issues are finally and fully resolved during the appeals in this legal proceeding,” said Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox. “Preventive healthcare services improve health outcomes and lower costs, and we will continue to work to ensure that Michigan families continue to have access to the no-cost lifesaving preventative care that they had before this decision.”

“It is important for our members to know that their care and coverage does not change because of the court’s decision,” said James D. Grant, M.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “Access to no-cost screenings, counseling services and preventive medications is critical to early detection, breaking down barriers to care and improving overall health. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan supports maintaining these preventive services in place without cost sharing until all appeals to the court’s decision are finalized.”

“We know preventive services save lives and lower the cost of care for our members,” said Praveen Thadani, president of Priority Health. “It is part of our mission and vision at Priority Health to improve health and make care more affordable and equitable. We are committed to supporting our members at every stage of their health and wellness journey and that includes helping our members stay healthy through coverage of preventive services, not only treating them when they are sick.”

The insurers who have agreed to continue covering no-cost preventive services in fully insured plans are:

• Aetna Life Insurance Company, Aetna Health of Michigan Inc.
• Blue Care Network of Michigan
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
• Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company
• Health Alliance Plan, Alliance Health and Life Insurance Company
• Humana Insurance Company
• Humana Medical Plan of Michigan
• McLaren Health Plan Community
• Meridian Health Plan of Michigan, Inc.
• Molina Healthcare of Michigan
• Nippon Life Insurance Company of America
• Oscar Insurance Company
• Physicians Health Plan
• Priority Health
• UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company Inc. and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan Inc.
• US Health and Life Insurance Company
• Wellfleet Insurance Company

The agreements apply to fully insured Michigan health insurance plans in the individual, small group, and large group markets, which includes plans sold on the Health Insurance Marketplace. Michiganders with self-funded group health plans offered by some large private employers should contact their insurer or employer to understand any potential changes to their insurance coverage. If you are scheduling preventive healthcare services and have questions, contact your insurer or employer. For further assistance, visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call DIFS at 877-999-6442 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.