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Orphan Groups

An orphan group is an existing Blue Cross Blue Shield or Blue Care Network of Michigan group for which an agent is not currently commissioned, but is servicing the client.


Small Group (under 100 enrolled contracts)*

In order to qualify for commission payment, the following requirements must be met:

  • Minimum of two contracts currently enrolled
  • All underwriting eligibility criteria for the group must be met according to small market rate reform policy
  • 75 percent Blue (BCBSM and BCN) participation
  • Provide comprehensive servicing to the client
  • Submit all BCBSM/BCN documentation:
    • Agent Confirmation document (570K PDF)
    • Agent of Record letter
    • Current group roster and quarterly wage detail report if the group has not participated in a rate renewal certification process within the last 12 months

* This policy was updated September 2005


Qualified requests should be sent to your managing agent.


Orphan group commissions are effective one month following Agent Administration's receipt of documentation from agent, managing agent or BCBSM/BCN sales office.


If you are notified that the group does not meet all requirements, we will ask you to submit an updated Group Underwriting Roster to verify eligibility. If the group is approved at that time, commissions will be effective:

  • Based on the original submission date, if the requested information was submitted within 60 days.
  • Based on the BCBSM receipt date of the re-submitted information, if the requested information is submitted after 60 days.

If a group is denied because it doesn't meet underwriting requirements, the commission effective date will be determined based on the date the group meets all underwriting requirements.


Large Group (over 100 enrolled contracts)

In order to qualify for commission payment, the following requirements must be met:

  • Agent is of Premier status
  • Agent registered as agent of record for a minimum of three years
  • 100 percent Blue (BCBSM and BCN) participation
  • 100-2,500 enrolled contracts are eligible
  • Group is experience rated or self-funded
  • Submit all BCBSM/BCN documentation

Qualified requests should be sent to your managing agent.


Orphan group commissions are effective one month following Agent Administration's receipt of documentation from agent, managing agent or BCBSM/BCN sales office.


If a group is denied because it doesn't meet underwriting requirements, the commission effective date will be determined based on the date the group meets all underwriting requirements.