Small group customers of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will benefit from a downward rate adjustment to be filed by BCBSM with state regulators this week. Rates for employers renewing coverage in the third and fourth quarters of 2015 will be, on average, 3.3 percent lower for BCBSM customers, and less than 1 percent higher (0.8 percent) for Blue Care Network customers, pending state regulatory approval. In addition, 2016 rate changes look extremely favorable, with Blue Cross annual rate changes projected 2.2 percent lower and Blue Care Network projected at 4.8 percent lower than the previous year.

The rate change results from a number of factors, including:

• Claims Experience: Actual claims experience came in lower than projected, impacting the overall rates for the remainder of 2015.
• Provider Partnerships: Our unique and comprehensive provider partnerships, including our Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) and pay for performance programs, have helped to manage trends below national benchmarks.
• ACA Risk Programs: Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), we now compete on a level playing field.  With a level playing field, our risk pools are more cost beneficial than ever before.