Controlling Health Care Costs

Rising health care costs affect nearly everyone. Factors impacting these increases include technology, cost shifting, prescription drug costs, lifestyle choices and an aging population.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan works actively to hold down costs without compromising quality care. The key is working with our members to improve lifestyles and maintain wellness. Also, knowing your options helps you make better choices if you do become ill. Cost-effective health care can be quality health care.

Learn more about how the Blues is controlling health care costs:

• Generic Drugs
• Health Care Fraud

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Understanding Health Care Value

Learn how our health programs and initiatives help slow the rising cost of health care.

• 2006 Annual Report of Program Value (PDF)
• Empowering Consumers to Achieve Wellness (PDF)
• The Value of Partnerships (PDF)
• Collaborating for Quality Improvement (PDF)

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How Your Health Care Dollar Is Spent

Some consumers think a large chunk of their premiums fund administrative expenses and corporate profits. That's not true at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, which is a non-profit company.

Medical expenses account for about 91 cents of each premium dollar and only nine cents support administrative costs. Costs related to administration include:

• negotiating contracts with providers who offer care management services
• paying limited state and federal taxes