Historical and other highlights
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan entered the health maintenance organization industry in 1975 with the purchase of small health plans in east and mid-Michigan. By 1998 BCBSM owned four independent regional HMOs that were merged into Blue Care Network of Michigan — an HMO that covers most of the state and serves almost a half million members.
2007
- M-CARE transitions to BCN.
- BCN introduces Wellness Works for its employees, a companywide program that challenges employees to become healthier.
2006
- BCN rated Excellent by NCQA, a designation held since 2000. Physician recognition program and physician performance measurement and improvement processes contribute to high rating.
- BCN's Web site awarded Health Web Site Accreditation by URAC, the Utilization Review Accreditation Committee, a leader in promoting health care quality.
- BCN Advantage becomes effective Jan. 1, with 2,200 PCPs and specialists.
- BCN announces Centers of Excellence for cardiac care, low back pain treatment and bariatric surgery.
- BCN provider and member communications win these Renaissance Awards:
- The Professional Services Manual receives IABC's "Best of Show" in the Writing category in addition to an Award of Excellence in technical writing.
- Quit the Nic postcard receives an Award of Honor.
- The Professional Services Manual receives IABC's "Best of Show" in the Writing category in addition to an Award of Excellence in technical writing.
- Blue Care Network grows business with Healthy Blue Living℠ — an innovative health plan that rewards members for pursuing their health goals — and Macomb Blue — that offers low-cost health care for Macomb County businesses.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder added to disease management offerings, bringing to nine the total number of programs offered.
- BCN membership passes 480,000 mark.
- Jeanne Carlson becomes Blue Care Network's new president and CEO.
2005
- BCN launches redesigned Web site for members at MiBCN.com.
- BCN offers Blue Elect, a flexible self-referral plan that gives members the preventive and health management benefits of a health maintenance organization with options where to receive care.
- Customers FIRST, a multifaceted plan that encompasses tactical and strategic components, is introduced to employees to improve BCN's service to customers.
- NCQA gives four of BCN's disease management programs Excellent accreditation.
2004
- BCN establishes new headquarters in Southfield, Mich.
- Weigh to Go™, a program that offers a comprehensive approach to weight control, launches.
- Renal management is added to chronic care management.
- BCN adds deductible product that allows groups to offer BCN benefits, value-added programs and comprehensive network of providers and hospitals at a lower cost.
- BCN receives awards for quality management and disease management programs that educate members about disease prevention and self-management and remind them about needed services:
- Asthma Management program — Recognizing Excellence — Best Disease Management Program Award from the Disease Management Association of America
- Diabetes management program — National Exemplary Practice Honorable Mention from America’s Health Insurance Plans
- Excellence in Immunization Award from the National Partnership for Immunization
- Spirit of Collaboration Award from the Michigan Cancer Consortium for participating in a statewide colorectal cancer project
- Best of Blues — Communication Award for Domestic Violence health education program
- Asthma Management program — Recognizing Excellence — Best Disease Management Program Award from the Disease Management Association of America
- BCN receives Renaissance Awards from the International Association of Business Communicators for:
- Excellence in overall corporate communications strategy for Facets provider communications
- Merit in special print communication (1-3 color) for the Special Facets Edition Network News
- Merit in employee/member communications for the booklet entitled Climbing to the Top BCN Best Practices & Soaring Higher
- Honors in annual reports (1-3 color) for the BCN University 2002 Yearbook
- Honors in intranets/employee portals for the Provider Affairs intranet site
- Excellence in overall corporate communications strategy for Facets provider communications
2003
- The company upgrades to Facets, a Windows-based operating system that connects claims processing, provider and member payments, billing and member enrollment in one central data bank.
- BCN adds cardiovascular program to disease management lineup.
- AccordantCare partner provides case management program for rare, complex, chronic diseases to BCN members.
- BCN is showcased as an exemplary health maintenance organization on CNN's Champions of Industry television program.
- BCN receives the Renaissance Award from the International Association of Business Communicators for excellence in a marketing plan.
- Blue Care Network receives the Silver Quill Award from the Great Lakes district of the International Association of Business Communicators for excellence in a marketing plan.
- BCN launches advertising campaign with first-ever BCN television advertisement.
2002
- BCN is the first commercial HMO in Michigan and the nation to receive NCQA accreditation for disease management programs addressing adult diabetes, adult and child asthma and congestive heart failure.
- BCN meets financial goals, showing positive contributions to reserves.
- Migraine management and low back pain added to disease management programs.
- BCN CEO, Kevin Seitz, is presented with the National Management Association’s highest honor — The Silver Knight Award.
- BCN receives the following Michigan Association of Health Plan Pinnacle Awards:
- Health Care Program Award for its Quit the Nic! smoking cessation program
- Community Partnership/Outreach Award for collaborative efforts with other health plans for the Southeast Michigan Diabetes Health Fair
- An Exemplary Award for its Health Risk Appraisal Program
- Health Care Program Award for its Quit the Nic! smoking cessation program
2001
- BCN holds 12 employee workshops in June and July and sets fresh vision, mission and values for the future
- BCN’s company-owned health centers in east and mid-Michigan unveil a new name — Family Health Centers of Blue Care Network. The centers provide medical care with physicians and staff specializing in family practice, internal medicine and pediatrics.
- BCN receives the following Pinnacle Awards from the Michigan Association of Health Plans:
- Third Place in the category of Business/Operational Performance for the "Satisfaction Pays" Program
- Third Place in the category of Community Outreach/Partnership for its Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign
- A Meritorious Program Status in the category of Health Care Programs for its Asthma Management Program, Health Management Program and Health Risk Appraisal Program Overviews
- Third Place in the category of Business/Operational Performance for the "Satisfaction Pays" Program
- Depression is added to the disease management program list.
- Kevin Seitz is named president and chief executive officer.
2000
- BCN wins AAHP Exemplary Practice for Asthma Award.
1999
- Claims operations are moved to west Michigan.
- Customer Service operations are moved to southeast Michigan.
1998
- Blue Care Network of Michigan is established as the largest HMO in Michigan with the merger of four independent regional HMOs.
page modified 04/23/2008