DETROIT—This week Blue Cross
Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) announced it will be working with local State
Farm agents in a new effort to broaden consumer access to health insurance in
Michigan during the upcoming open enrollment period under the Affordable Care
Act.    

Starting on Nov. 1, State Farm agents in Michigan will market
individual health insurance policies for coverage with effective dates
beginning Jan. 1, 2016. This alliance provides consumers with an opportunity to
obtain personal assistance from State Farm agents who can explain coverage
options and assist individuals in selecting plans that best meet their needs.

Consumers have until Jan. 31 to sign up for coverage under the
Affordable Care Act for calendar year 2016.

“As we move into the third open enrollment period, individual
consumers need to be more engaged in their own health care than ever before,”
said Rick Notter, director, Individual Business for BCBSM. “Partnering with
State Farm gives Michigan residents another resource to explore the many
options available, and allows many to work with an agent they may already have
a relationship with to make this important decision.”

“This expansion of our alliance with the Blue Cross and Blue
Shield companies to provide individual medical coverage is an important step in
helping meet the health care needs of the marketplace, and we are excited about
expanding our alliance,” said State Farm senior vice president Joe Monk. “At
State Farm, we help people manage risk and realize their dreams. Marketing
individual medical coverage allows our agents to help people manage this key
risk, so they can live confidently in pursuing their dreams. We’re excited to
team up with organizations of the caliber of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield
companies in providing this important protection.”

This expanded Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) and
State Farm alliance will allow State Farm agents the ability to market Blue
Cross Blue Shield health insurance coverage in 19 states. Nearly 11,000 State
Farm agents, and their licensed representatives, will work with independent
BCBS companies in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois,
Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Montana,
Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.