The legislation to convert Blue Cross Blue
Shield of Michigan to a nonprofit mutual insurance company, a major priority of
Governor Snyder during the recently concluded legislative session, received a
surprising veto from the Governor’s pen late last week.
The Governor issued a statement explaining
the legislation went too far in restricting insurance coverage for abortions by
requiring consumers to purchase coverage in an optional rider. Specifically,
the Governor stated that the requirement treats situations involving rape,
incest and the health of the mother as elective.
The language was added to the package late in
the process by House Republicans.
This means the Administration, the
Legislature, and the Blues will have to start from scratch with language
similar to Senate Bills 1293
and 1294
in the new session later this month.
