Hospital and Physician Update

January – February 2019

Did you know?

Hospitals and physicians were largely responsible for the company that is now known as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

The Michigan Society for Group Hospitalization — later called Blue Cross — was established in 1938 with funding from Henry Ford Hospital and the former Grace and Harper hospitals, along with $5,000 from two prominent Lansing residents. The Michigan Medical Service — later called Blue Shield — was established two years later with a loan from the Michigan State Medical Society.

While many things have changed in the ensuing years, one thing has stayed the same: a partnership with doctors and hospitals remains at the heart of all we do. Today, that relationship is exemplified by our Value Partnerships program. A key component of Value Partnerships is the Physician Group Incentive Program, which was also formed in partnership with the provider community, including MSMS.

To read more about the history of Blue Cross, click here.

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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.