Controlling Costs
We all feel the pain of rising health care costs
At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network, we’re working to lower costs without lowering the quality of care. Here’s how we're controlling health care costs and making affordable health insurance available to our members in Michigan and across the country.
We spend members' money on members
Some people think that insurance companies spend most of their money on administrative expenses and corporate profits. That’s not true with us.
We’re a mutual nonprofit company. We spend our money where it belongs: on members.
Only a small percentage of each premium dollar goes toward administrative costs. Administrative costs include things like negotiating contracts with health care professionals and paying state and federal taxes.
We embrace generic drugs
Don’t judge a drug by its name.
Generic drugs — medication without all the fancy advertising — are safe and work just as well as name-brands. They also lower copays and overall costs. Need proof? Check out these resources:
We fight health care fraud
We work with local, state and federal authorities to bring fraud offenders to justice. Since 1980, our Corporate and Financial Investigations unit has recovered more than $300 million.
Find out more about what we’re doing to stop health care fraud and how you can help.
We believe in value-based care
A health care system focused on quality and not quantity of care is better for all of us. That's why Blue Cross supports national and local programs that reward doctors for stronger care outcomes.
Learn how promoting illness prevention and wellness program can mean better outcomes and reduced costs for you.
We support well-being
It’s a fact. Healthy people use their health care less. Investing in a healthy lifestyle may decrease your need for a hospital stay or prescription medications and that helps control costs for everyone.
That's why we’re dedicated to giving our members the tools and support they need to make better choices and achieve healthier lifestyles. We do this through programs like Blue Cross Well-Being℠ and Blue365® .