News & Media
MSMS hosts Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan CEO, Tricia Keith and Chief Medical Officer, James Grant, MD, for Special Board Presentation
On Wednesday, July 16, the MSMS Board of Directors welcomed special guests Tricia Keith, CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) and MSMS Past President and Past Board Chair, Jim Grant, MD, Chief Medical Officer, BCBSM.
Ms. Keith discussed the challenges of balancing increased medical costs with customer demands for affordable health care. BCBSM cited the cost of hospital services, which is rising faster than the rate of increase for overall medical care costs and inflation, as a major threat to affordability. Additionally, BCBSM paid almost 15% more for pharmacy claims in 2024 than in 2023, a staggering $900 million more year-over-year.
She emphasized the importance of partnerships with physicians as the path forward. Through BCBSM’s Value Partnerships programs, more than $6.3 billion has been saved through the collaborative quality improvement efforts of physician organizations, physicians, and hospitals.
Based on Board member questions, BCBSM leadership was able to share plans to increase gold-carding to help eliminate some prior authorization burdens, supporting the financial sustainability of independent physician practices in Michigan, and maintaining their strong commitment to vaccine coverage and efficacy.
MSMS thanks Ms. Keith and Doctor Grant for speaking to the MSMS Board of Directors. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with them on issues that impacts everyone in health care.