Shield Insurance Agency Blog

Welcome to the Shield Insurance Agency Blog. 

Here you will find a ton of articles on each of these topics: Auto Insurance, Boat/Watercraft Insurance, Business Insurance, Flood Insurance, Health Insurance, Home Insurance, Insurance, Life Insurance, Michigan Auto Insurance Reform, Recreational Insurance, Renters Insurance, RV Insurance, Things To Do At Home, Umbrella Insurance, and even a list of the Shield Agency Weekly Gift Card Winners,

If you have any suggestions for content, please drop us an email.

Business Insurance Premium Audit Explained

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Blog | Business Insurance |

What is a premium audit for business insurance?

To begin to understand what a Business Insurance Premium Audit is and why it’s important, let’s take a walk down memory lane.

When you first set up your commercial insurance policy or the last time you completed a business insurance review with your agent, you may remember your agent asking you to predict certain things your business might experience in the coming year, such as the makeup of your workforce or annual revenue.

This prediction or estimate is an important part of the process to insure your business. It helps set a price, or premium cost, for your commercial insurance policy so you are paying an adequate amount for your business’s unique needs.

Later on, your insurance company, in conjunction with TJ, your agent at Shield, will check how close the prediction was to the business you actually had for that policy year. This is a premium audit. A premium audit is performed regularly by your insurance company to determine the correct premium (i.e. cost) for your business insurance.

Why does business insurance have premium audits?

Unlike personal insurance policies for a car or home, which have more stable and predictable changes in property value and risks, a business is very dynamic. Its income, operations, and risk levels can change all the time, and sometimes in unpredictable ways.

Commercial insurance can cover a business’s physical location and property as well as its liability. Physical location and property can be more predictable to insure. However, business liability tends to be impacted by a business’s growth or shrinking, which is more unpredictable. As a business grows or shrinks, it increases or decreases the chances that the business could be liable to others.

This means that parts of your commercial insurance policy are built to change with the ebbs and flows of your business.

How does a premium audit affect my insurance costs?

During a premium audit, if your business grew more than the amount estimated, the resulting increase in things like sales and payroll means your insurance premium will likely increase.

The same is true in reverse. If your business saw a reduction in business from the policy estimate, you will likely see a reduction in your premium cost.

When an insurance company performs a premium audit, it is looking for accuracy — for both the insured business and the insurance company.

Here’s why: The insurance company needs accurate information to determine things like claims reserve calculations and ratemaking. When the insurance company collects accurate data from its commercial policyholders, it leads to a more financially sound insurance company.

Accurate data also leads to a fundamentally more sound insurance system overall since the premium data collected by insurance companies is reported to the Insurance Services Office (ISO), the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), and state government entities, who then use the data to provide guidance, rules and regulations back to insurance companies.

Your data is an important part of the whole commercial insurance system!

How can my business prepare for a premium audit?

Keeping organized business records is the best way to be ready for a review of your business insurance. When properly kept and provided to the auditor, these records can help keep your insurance cost in line with your actual business needs and may even allow you to take advantage of exclusions or lower rates.

The following bookkeeping practices can help you prepare:

  • Payroll records – Track and show actual payroll by type of work for each employee and business owner. Track overtime, severance and other payroll items.
  • Subcontractor records – Use insured subcontractors when possible. Request and keep a copy of their Certificates of Insurance. Track and show payments by type of work.
  • Sales records (e.g., income statements) – Track and show sales by product. Track sales by customer, returns and other sales items.

You can also speak with your independent insurance agent commercial business specialist, TJ Simmons, to learn more about the premium audit, how it may affect your premium cost and steps you can take now to prepare for it.

This article is for informational and suggestion purposes only. If the policy coverage descriptions in this article conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy apply.

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What is Insurance and Why is it Important?

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Have you ever had a moment — while looking at your insurance policy or shopping for insurance — when you’ve thought, “What is insurance? And do I really need it?”

You’re not alone.

Insurance can be a mysterious and puzzling thing. How does insurance work? What are the benefits of insurance? And how do you find the best insurance for you? These are common questions, and fortunately, there are some easy-to-understand answers for them.

To help, here are a few simple insurance explanations:

What is insurance?

Insurance is a financial safety net, helping you and your loved ones recover after something bad happens — such as a fire, theft, lawsuit or car accident. When you purchase insurance, you’ll receive an insurance policy, which is a legal contract between you and your insurance provider. And when you suffer a loss that’s covered by your policy and file a claim, insurance pays you or a designated recipient, called a beneficiary, based on the terms of your policy.

The most difficult thing about insurance is that you’re paying for something you hope you never have to use. Nobody wants something bad to happen to them. But suffering a loss without insurance can put you in a difficult financial situation.

What are the benefits of insurance?

Insurance is an important financial tool. It can help you live life with fewer worries knowing you’ll receive financial assistance after a disaster or accident, helping you recover faster. When it comes to life insurance, this could mean your family doesn’t have to move out of the house or that your kids can afford to go to college. For auto insurance, it could mean you have extra cash in hand to help pay for repairs or a replacement vehicle after an accident. Insurance can help keep your life on track, as much as possible, after something bad derails it.

Your independent agent is a great resource to learn more about the benefits of insurance, as well as the benefits in your specific insurance policy. For example, you may have access to perks such as free roadside assistance, risk control consulting for businesses, or cash value in a life insurance policy, in addition to your insurance coverage.

And in some cases, like auto insurance and workers’ compensation, you may be required by law to have insurance in order to protect others.

How does insurance work?

Insurance is essentially a gigantic rainy day fund shared by many people (called policyholders) and managed by an insurance carrier. The insurance company uses money collected (called a premium) from its policyholders and other investments to pay for its operations and to fulfill its promise to policyholders when they file a claim.

Because of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters — like tornadoes, hail, wildfires and hurricanes, and everyday disasters such as fender benders and kitchen fires — an insurance company’s main goal is to remain financially strong enough to handle anything that comes its policyholders’ way.

How do I choose an insurance provider?

Here are a few things to consider when choosing an insurance company to work with:

  • Insurance coverage. What types of insurance does the company offer? Can you buy all of your insurance through the company and receive a discount?
  • Financial strength. Would the company be able to pay your claim? Look to U.S. credit rating agency AM Best to determine the company’s financial strength.
  • Agency model. Would you prefer the help of a local agent? Or would you prefer to manage your insurance on your own?
  • Customer service. Do others recommend this company? What are people saying about it in online customer reviews?

When in doubt, contact Shield Agency and ask them any questions you have about insurance. Shield agents are insurance experts with the knowledge to guide you through the process and help you find the best protection for you and the people and things you care about most.

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Package Theft and How to Avoid it

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Not on my porch: How to avoid package theft

Package Theft: For all the convenience that ordering online gives us, there is an unfortunate downside – our delivery may be taken by someone else before we’re able to get our hands on it.

Package theft, especially around the holidays, is a growing inconvenience for many consumers. Approximately 26 million Americans say they’ve experienced package theft, with the number increasing every year as “porch pirates” get bolder and ordering online grows in popularity.1

No one wants to fall victim to the antics of a porch pirate – including you. Consider implementing these low-cost solutions so your package makes it off the porch and into your home.

  1. Ship it to work.
    Keep your package off the porch in the first place. If your company allows, consider shipping your packages to your workplace instead of your home.
  2. Enlist a neighbor’s help.
    Do you have a neighbor or a friend that’s usually home? If so, see if they can wait for your package or keep an eye out for it.
  3. Require a signature.
    Consider requesting a signature for your package to be dropped off. That way, your package won’t be left on your porch exposed to potential thieves.
  4. Be proactive.
    If you’re sending a package, ask the recipient to share information on the safest way for them to receive deliveries.
  5. Take advantage of alternative delivery options and alerts.
    FedEx, the U.S. Postal Service and UPS all have alternative pickup and delivery options available. Visit their websites to explore your options and update your delivery preferences. You can also sign up for delivery alerts to track your package and stay up-to-date on delivery times.
  6. Get technical.
    Consider investing in low-cost technologies like automatic light timers and motion-censored lights.
  7. Keep your porch clear and visible.
    It may seem counter-intuitive, but if a thief has no place to hide, they’re less likely to take the risk of going up to your porch in the first place.
  8. Ask for your box to be nondescript.
    Ordering from a high-end store? Consider marking the “gift” checkbox when you purchase so the package comes in a plain box. You can also request this of friends and family so your box doesn’t grab attention.
  9. Find strength in numbers.
    Neighborhood groups on social media or community apps like Nextdoor can provide your neighborhood a system for reporting suspicious activity to each other.
  10. Visit the UPS article on How to keep packages safe from box bandits

It may not be a low-cost option, but our list wouldn’t be complete without the recommendation of a home security device. Signs announcing the presence of a home security system can go a long way in your efforts to scare off a thief. In fact, homes without security systems are 300% more likely to be broken into or vandalized.2 Bonus: You may be able to receive a discount on your homeowners’ insurance. Contact one of our agents for details.

Strategically-placed security cameras, or devices like video doorbells and lock boxes, can also go a long way in mitigating package theft and have increased in popularity for their ability to catch thieves in the act.

As long as you’re shipping products to your door, there’s a chance your package will be a target. Use these strategies to deter package theft and finally get rid of porch pirates for good.

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Distracted Driving? Find out here…

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Don’t think you drive distracted?

You might be surprised.

Distracted driving has become an epidemic, taking more than 3,000 lives a year in the United States alone. And while your first instinct might be to think that you don’t drive distracted, not so fast. Because the truth is, most people don’t associate their distracted driving habits as “distracted driving.”

While driving, have you ever:

  1. Adjusted your radio station or playlist?
  2. Touched up your makeup?
  3. Texted?
  4. Talked on your cell phone?
  5. Had something to eat or drink?
  6.  Looked at your GPS or a map?
  7.  Focused so much on conversation with a passenger that you nearly missed a turn?

Distracted driving isn’t just talking or texting on your phone. Anything that takes the eyes or mind off the road and hands off the steering wheel is causing you to drive distracted. It’s important to note, though, that texting while driving is especially dangerous because it requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention. The facts are unsettling.

  • Anytime drivers look at their phones, they take their eyes off the road for an average of five seconds.
  •  This also causes drivers to drift out of their lane about 10 percent of the time.
  • At least 28 percent of vehicle crashes are caused by texting and cell phone use alone—never mind other distractions.2

Tips to prevent distracted driving

The simple truth is that distracted driving is a dangerous safety risk. Help keep everyone on the roadways safe by following these simple tips.

  • Put it away. Your phone, that is. It’s the absolute best thing you can do while behind the wheel so that you can safely control your vehicle and respond to events on the road.
  • Use safe-driving apps: While apps are not generally safe while driving, apps like Textecution, tXtBlocker, DriveSafe.ly and DriveMode can prevent you from texting while driving and keep you safer on the road.
  • Think ahead. Take care of distractions before or after your trip so you can devote your full attention to driving.
  • Ask passengers for help. If another activity requires immediate action, enlist the help of your passengers or safely pull off the road and stop your vehicle before handling the situation.
  • Use hands-free for emergencies. If you need to be accessible at all times, invest in a hands-free device. However, please note that hands-free does not mean risk-free, so only use it in absolute emergencies.
  • Speak up. Be a good passenger by reminding friends and other drivers to follow these rules. Parents especially should talk with their young drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. Make a family pledge where everyone commits to safe driving.

Visit our blog for more articles on safe driving!

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In a car accident or broke down? Helpful tips

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Helpful tips if you are in a car accident or a breakdown.

No one expects to get into a car accident. Although you can work to prevent and prepare for one, the sudden jolt may leave you shocked and stressed, and unsure of what to do next. While you try to wrap your head around what just happened, it’s easy to forget vital actions that can aid your physical and financial recovery.

Just remember to be SAFE—both literally and by following our acronym:

  • S – Safety first
  • A – Alert authorities
  • F – Fact collection
  • E – Exchange information

Safety first

The No. 1 priority after a car accident is the safety of yourself and others. Immediately after the accident, be sure you:

  • Turn on your hazard lights.
  • If possible, pull your car over to a safe place. If not, stay inside with your seatbelt on.
  • Check the safety of others and provide assistance to anyone with an injury.
  • Don’t move an injured person. This can cause additional damage and should be avoided unless the person’s safety is at risk.

Alert authorities

Even if it’s a minor fender bender that you think you can settle among yourselves, it’s still important (and in some states, the law) to call the authorities no matter how small the accident is.

  • Call 911 or the local police station.
  • Avoid saying “I’m sorry.” Even if you feel guilty, don’t admit fault—especially when talking to the police. You may find out later that the other driver was actually to blame or that you share the blame.
  • Even if you don’t show visible injuries, it’s recommended to call for medical help or at least visit the emergency room or your doctor after you leave the area.
  • Be sure to file an accident report, even if police don’t come to the crash site. Depending on the state’s laws and the severity of the accident, police may not be dispatched. Filing a report puts the accident on the books and can help speed up the claim process.

Fact collection

After an accident, you may feel a whirlwind of emotions. Stay calm, and immediately document the accident as you experienced it.

  • Take pictures of your car, any other cars involved and the surrounding area.
  • Take notes on what happened before, during and after the accident. Include details about the location, weather, road conditions and traffic control.
  • Write down the names of any law enforcement officials or witnesses who are at the scene.

Exchange information

Swapping information is essential to work through any sort of claim or legal process that could result from a car accident. Be sure to exchange:

  • Names
  • Addresses
  • Phone numbers
  • License plate numbers
  • Driver’s license numbers
  • Insurance providers
  • Policy numbers

What to do once you arrive home
Unfortunately, even after you have SAFE-ly left the accident, there are still a few matters to take care of, such as filing a claim. You’ll want to report your claim ASAP. The sooner you file a claim, the sooner your insurance provider can start working on it—and the sooner you can get your life back together.

Note: This article contains helpful tips for any driver involved in an auto accident. Policyholders may choose to follow this advice or not without it affecting their auto coverage.

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Breaking up with distracted driving

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Breaking up with distracted driving

Distracted driving is a bad habit, and one worth breaking.

It’s dangerous — not only for drivers and their passengers but also for pedestrians and bicyclists. It can also be deadly. In 2016, 9% of fatal crashes in the U.S. were reported as distracted driving crashes and about 14% involved a cell phone. Additionally, drivers age 15 to 19 years old made up the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of a fatal crash.

It all comes down to this: if we can break our distracted driving habits, we can help save lives. And that’s worth doing!

Safe driving requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention to work together. Taking your attention away from even one of these areas means you’re driving distracted.

1. Visual.

Visually distracted driving means taking your eyes off the road. To properly see, anticipate and react to obstacles while driving, you must watch the road.

Examples of visual distractions:

  • Taking your eyes off the road to adjust your radio, climate controls or navigation system
  • Reading something on your cell phone, a book or a computer
  • Looking in your rearview mirror to talk to a passenger
  • Watching an accident scene as you drive by (i.e. “rubbernecking”)

Reduce visual distractions by:

  • Asking a front seat passenger to adjust your radio or climate controls.
  • Setting the location in your navigation system prior to driving. If you need to adjust it mid-drive, safely pull off the road or park to update the system from your stationary vehicle.
  • Placing devices outside of your reach while driving so you can’t pick them up.
  • Focusing your eyes on the road instead of passengers inside your vehicle.
  • Practicing extra caution while driving by an accident scene and watching for people, cars and road debris in the path ahead of you.

2. Manual.

Manual distracted driving means taking your hands off the steering wheel. Keeping two hands on the steering wheel is the best way to stay on the road and avoid accidents. One hand, two knees or anything else you might use to steer your vehicle isn’t going to give you the control or turning radius to stay safe.

Examples of manual distractions:

  • Taking a hand off the steering wheel to adjust your radio, climate controls or navigation system
  • Texting or talking on a cell phone or operating a device while driving
  • Eating, drinking, smoking or putting on makeup
  • Searching for an item in your purse or fast food bag

Reduce manual distractions by:

  • Asking a passenger to adjust your radio, climate controls or help you navigate.
  • Making hands-free phone calls and committing to never text while driving.
  • Putting devices outside of your reach or turning them off.
  • Applying makeup, eating or smoking only in a parked and stationary vehicle.
  • Keeping both hands on the steering wheel when the car is in motion.

3. Cognitive.

Cognitive distracted driving means not focusing on driving. Stress is no stranger to most drivers. But when thoughts, feelings or tiredness get in the way of paying attention to what’s happening on the roadway, it’s time to pull over and take a break. Then you can come back onto the road ready to focus and drive safely.

Examples of cognitive distractions:

  • Tiredness
  • Daydreaming
  • Crying or emotional distress
  • Listening and singing with the radio or other music

Reduce cognitive distractions by:

  • Pulling over to rest if you become tired while driving.
  • Actively thinking about driving.
  • Pulling off to a safe location until you’re ready to drive again.
  • Driving alone without passengers or asking them to quietly occupy themselves.
  • Turning off the radio or music and enjoying the sounds of the world around you.

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5 Road Trip Safety Tips

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

5 road trip safety tips for your family

Your family has packed its bags, your gear is in the trunk and you’ve filled a cooler will all the best snacks. But being prepared for a family road trip is more than just what you bring with you – keep these five family road trip safety tips in mind the next time you’re planning a family trip:

1. Schedule a tune up.

Before you hit the road, perform a basic safety check by checking your vehicle’s tire pressure, wiper blades, fluid levels, lights and air conditioning. Scheduling regular maintenance for your vehicle is also important – not only will it help prevent breakdowns, but it can offer peace of mind the next time your family is ready for a road trip adventure.

2. Prepare for a roadside emergency.

A long stretch of highway can lead to the unexpected. If you experience a breakdown during your family trip, make sure you’re prepared to handle a roadside emergency. Have an emergency kit in your vehicle, as well as important phone numbers saved in your contact list. Include your insurance company in case you need to make a claim and check with your auto insurance carrier or car manufacturer to see if they offer on-demand roadside assistance.

3. Buckle up for the road trip!

Safety first – always make sure you and your passengers are buckled up properly, including using child safety seats and booster seats when needed, and that they remain buckled in whenever the vehicle is moving. Children under 13 should always ride in the back seat of a vehicle. Never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle, and remember that if the weather is warm, a car can heat up quickly putting your child or pet in grave danger.

4. Share the road.

Warm weather also means different types of vehicles are out on the roads. Remember when you’re driving to watch out for motorcycles and bicycles, too. While they have the same rights to the road as you do, their smaller size makes them much more vulnerable. Remember to allow extra following distance and check your surroundings carefully before turning.

5. Don’t drive distracted.

Lead by example for your family – never drive distracted. In 2017 alone, 3,166 lost their lives to accidents related to distracted driving.

Unfortunately, a family road trip can increase the chances for distraction, so it’s extra important to take precautions and keep your eyes on the road. If you need to check your phone for any reason, pull over to a safe shoulder. Remind passengers of the importance of not distracting the driver while the driver is operating the vehicle. Take time to learn how to break common distracted driving habits.

This also goes for driving drowsy, which can be dangerous. Get a good night’s sleep before a road trip, and make sure to switch driving responsibilities with another driver, if possible, or to stop and rest every few hours.

Road trips are a wonderful way to spend time with family, explore the world and experience new things with those you love. Keep these safety tips in mind the next time you plan a family trip to help your travels run safely and smoothly.

Check out some other blogs about taking road trips!

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Plan a Safe Driving Route

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Plan a safe driving route with these few things in mind

Whether you’re driving to your vacation destination or planning your route to work, there are tips and tools you can leverage to plan your safest driving route and give you additional peace of mind behind the wheel.

After all — long or short — you want your journey to be a safe one. By planning ahead and using technology, you’ll reduce your driving risks while saving yourself and your passengers time and stress.

Consider these three things when planning your safest driving route:

Implement a safe driving app (or two).

Before you head out the door, consider downloading a safe driving app or route planning app. Many apps can help drivers find peace of mind for themselves or their loved ones while on the road. For example, if you get distracted often by incoming calls or texts while driving, consider an app that will put your phone on “do not disturb mode” the second you start moving. There are also apps that can help you control your driving speed or help parents support safe driving habits for young drivers

For example, the route navigation app Routewise by TNEDICCA helps drivers understand accident frequency along a certain route and provides trip feedback as well as recommendations on safer route alternatives. According to TNEDICCA, 10% of crash locations account for more than 66% of all crashes. Knowing exactly what areas to avoid on your trip could potentially make a big impact on the overall safety of your journey.

Be mindful of rush hours and popular travel times.

When planning your travel route, keep in mind the time of day and the time of year you’re traveling. By planning your trip times to avoid city rush hours, you’ll drive safer with fewer drivers on the road and have the additional bonus of minimizing potential delays to your trip

Route planning apps can help you set your departure time by showing how long it’ll take to reach your destination depending on the time you leave. These apps can also alert you to potential hazards ahead so you’re aware of potential road delays or slowdowns.

Travel during the holidays can also increase traffic and the chance of accidents. According to the NHTSA, there are generally more crash fatalities during holiday periods than non-holiday periods due to increased travel time, more alcohol use and excessive driving speed. Give yourself extra travel time so you’re not rushed. And, since holiday travel can sometimes occur during inclement weather, check the weather along your route ahead of time and be on the lookout for alerts to road conditions. It’s a good idea to be prepared for a roadside emergency just in case.

Use your GPS (safely).

While GPS has been a tried and true driving partner for many years, there are a few ways you can use your GPS to create safer driving habits. For example, consider plugging in your destination before you start moving. You’ll be ready to go the moment you start driving and have one less distraction to take your eyes off the road.

Many drivers can point to a time on a long drive when they became stuck in traffic or made a wrong turn. GPS offers a hands-free way to automatically create an alternative route — however, don’t drive distracted. Remember to pull over if you need to use your phone or make changes to your travel plan. Just sending or reading a text for five seconds can take your eyes off the road for the length of a football field, leaving you exposed to many potential hazards and increasing your chance of getting in an accident. Learn other ways to combat distracted driving here.

Your travel itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a safe driving route to help you reach your destination. The next time you plan a getaway or a long drive, consider implementing these tips and tools to help you find the safest travel route.

This article is for informational and suggestion purposes only. If the policy coverage descriptions in this article conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy applies. Talk to your local Shield agent to learn more about auto coverage and safe driving tools.

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Auto Insurance Rebates

Posted on by Shield Insurance Agency

Shield Insurance Agency Blog | Insurance Rebates | Auto Insurance | Start A Quote Today

Governor, Department of Insurance mandate Auto Insurance Rebates

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the state’s Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) have ordered all auto insurers operating in the state to either issue Auto Insurance Rebates or premium waivers to consumers.

The premium relief measures are being mandated to account for the reduction in driving activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Michiganders have been staying safe and staying home and they should see the benefit in reduced auto insurance rates during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Every family is feeling added financial pressure due to this virus, and this order will provide some much-needed relief to drivers.”

According to the DIFS Order No. 2020-10-M, insurers have until June 10, 2020, to submit filings that detail the refund or premium waiver amount, information on how that amount was determined, and how consumers will receive the premium relief measures.

The order also requires insurers to properly communicate to customers about the refund, as well as additional options for those with long-term changes in their driving habits.

WWJ 950 reported that the order does not stipulate a minimum amount that insurers are required to refund their customers.

“This order will ensure all insurers are issuing appropriate refunds or premium waivers to their customers,” commented DIFS director Anita Fox. “Consumers may realize additional savings by modifying their policies to reflect their current driving habits. Drivers should contact their agent to discuss garaging a car or making other changes to save on their premiums.”

More Blogs by Shield Insurance Agency

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Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI Returns Money

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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Returns Money to Customers, Individuals

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is returning more than $100 million to many fully insured customers this year.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted what we consider to be a normal life in many ways, it has not left the health care system untouched. People are not receiving medical, dental, and vision care at the same pace that they usually do, as non-emergency services have been slowed – and in some cases, halted. As a result, Blue Cross isn’t paying out as many claims and has resources available to help business customers and individuals in numerous ways as they move through the pandemic crisis.

This week, Blue Cross announced a number of premium refunds along with rate stability measures for fully insured customers. This response joins other efforts we’ve made to help customers, including $37 million back to small group customers for medical plans, $10.5 million shared refund to Blue Dental and Blue Vision employer group customers, $45 million paid directly to individual health plan members from 2019 through rebates and more.

The refunds are in addition to the $494 million that BCBSM has invested in expanding the availability of no-cost benefits for members and to support health providers in response to COVID-19 – bringing the BCBSM enterprise’s commitment in response to the crisis to nearly $600 million.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Blue Cross has been working to provide customers with information and solutions to help navigate the health care system during an unprecedented time, taking many steps to remove barriers to healthcare for members and to keep care affordable.

Improving Access to Care

For Blue Cross and Blue Care Network members, Covid-19 diagnostic testing and treatment is free through June 30.

And we realize that during the pandemic people are seeing their doctors in different ways, so Blue Cross and Blue Care Network are providing free access to telehealth services for medical and behavioral health through June 30. Most Medicare Advantage members also receive these same benefits through Dec. 31. Additionally, Medicare Advantage members will receive free access to all the services provided in their primary care physician’s office.

To help members safely social distance and protect their health, Blue Cross is also allowing members to receive more of their prescription medications at once to limit trips to the pharmacy.

Helping Seniors

Senior citizens are particularly vulnerable to severe illness from the coronavirus and may be socially isolated from friends and family as a result. Blue Cross has taken extra steps to help senior members through the pandemic by initiating contact to connect them with resources and community services and targeting high-risk seniors with extra help.

Prioritizing Behavioral Health

By working with behavioral health care providers to bring their services into a telehealth platform, Blue Cross doctors are leading a new era in behavioral health treatment. Many low-risk substance use disorder patients can be treated from the safety of their homes. This even includes group therapy situations. These telehealth efforts have helped improve access to mental health and substance use disorder care for members in rural Michigan.

Reaching Out to Communities

Blue Cross has taken an all-hands-on-deck approach to help communities through the pandemic.

For small business owners, there’s a new special support program. For displaced workers, there are new transition services in place.

The pandemic has also placed a glaring spotlight on the racial disparities and inequities in health care. Blue Cross is taking steps to act now and, in the future, to address health disparities and to work with government officials.

That includes contributing funding to a mobile testing unit to bring COVID-19 testing directly to people where they are through a partnership with Wayne State University.

Empowering Health Care Workers

Blue Cross is supporting health care workers as they tackle COVID-19.

Together with 35 hospitals in Michigan, Blue Cross started a COVID-19 data collection effort to help identify best care practices and possible treatments.

More than 30 of Blue Cross’ employees with medical backgrounds volunteered to help on the front lines. Blue Cross has also accelerated payments to providers to help them better respond to their patients’ needs.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is committed to continuing to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 across the entirety of the business and will keep customers informed as more information becomes available. Stay up to date with the latest news and information at bcbsm.com/coronavirus or mibluesperspectives.com.

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