LANSING, MI (AP)-- A fund created through the restructuring of Michigan's largest health insurer will spend $44 million next year to begin partially offsetting a spike in the cost of supplemental insurance that covers Medicare recipients' coinsurance and deductibles.
The Michigan Health Endowment Fund's initial contribution will dampen the impact of Blue Cross Blue Shield ending a five-year rate freeze on its Medigap policies.
Blue Cross has estimated that seniors in its most popular Medigap plan in southeastern Michigan will see rate increases ranging from $48 a month to $177 per month.
Enrollment begins Saturday and runs through Dec. 15. That's the window to get the full subsidy for 2017. Residents will have to re-apply each year.
The fund estimates the subsidies will help about 80,000 of Michigan's 400,000 people with Medigap coverage.
