GENESEE COUNTY — Genesee County retirees who have Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan healthcare coverage will now be able to keep their current plans.
On Feb. 6, retirees were informed by the county that Blue Cross has provided a waiver to allow them to continue accessing their insurance plans as a Genesee County retiree group.
In early January, BCBSM notified the county that it would no longer provide service for retirees effective June 1. The announcement came shortly after county employees voted to switch health insurance carriers and opt out of the current BCBSM coverage in December.
But following further discussions with the county, BCBSM decided to create a special exception to its policy to continue providing healthcare to Genesee County retirees past May 31.
In a letter to retirees, the county said the coverage will be driven by BCBSM policy. County officials also said eligible retirees will continue to receive health insurance coverage regardless of any future decision made by BCBSM. — B.G.