Looking Back at 1975

1975 was a great year for movies, TV and healthcare. Michigan public school retirees were covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for the first time that year. Take a stroll down memory lane with us as we look back at that memorable year.

Facts about the Blue Cross plan offered to retirees in 1975:

• The plan was a traditional, fully insured medical plan that covered the retiree only.
• Members paid 10% out-of-pocket costs. Coverage included inpatient hospital care, chiropractic services and treatment for substance use disorder.
• Two separate companies, Michigan Blue Cross and Michigan Blue Shield, merged to become Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan in 1975, the same year the retirement system plan went into effect. 

Fun facts from 1975:

As Michigan public school retirees were getting acquainted with their new medical plan, another notable partnership was getting started. Bill Gates and his business partner Paul Allen sold their first program for a personal computer in 1975, which was the beginning of Microsoft.