Gov. Expected to Revive Blue Cross Overhaul Plan | Business

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder is expected to revive his plan to overhaul Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan during his State of the State speech after vetoing legislation last month.

The Republican governor likely will push again Wednesday evening for easing regulations on the big insurer and requiring it to pay taxes after it transforms from a charitable trust to a customer-owned nonprofit. He vetoed the measure in late December because of abortion language added to secure GOP support.

Blue Cross officials say they were disappointed and hope legislative leaders can get behind the original legislation.

The governor and insurer say the revamping is necessary to level the playing field for the industry and prepare for the federal health care law. Critics say it's unnecessary deregulation that short-shrifts the elderly.

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