At Montana Blue Cross/Blue Shield, where does the money go?

Last year, more than $500 million of Montanans’ money flowed through the hands of Montana Blue Cross/Blue Shield http://www.bcbsmt.com/ — and nearly one-fifth went to what could be called “overhead.”

Blue Cross, which insures or administers health benefits for 320,000 people in Montana, also ended 2006 with a reserve of $117 million — more than double its reserves of just four years earlier.

By MIKE DENNISON – IR State Bureau

Full Story: http://helenair.com/articles/2007/08/06/montana_top/a01080607_01.txt

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Blue Cross good deeds: What it does to justify tax-exempt status

By MIKE DENNISON
Gazette State Bureau

As the state’s largest health insurer, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Montana plays a unique role in health care policy – and that includes more than ensuring the health of its bottom line, its executives say.

Full Story: http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2007/08/06/news/state/25-bluecross.txt

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Mont. health insurance CEOs make far less than national giants

Montana health insurance CEOs make big bucks, still far less than national giants

By MIKE DENNISON
Gazette State Bureau

Salaries for executives running Montana’s two largest health insurers are nothing to sneeze at, with the top spots earning in the mid-six figures.

Full Story: http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2007/08/06/news/state/22-bluecross.txt

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State workers, UM drive insurance market
By Mike Dennison of The Standard State Bureau – 08/07/2007

One of the biggest health-insurance players in Montana isn’t a company, a politician or a lobby group.

You might call it the largest health care “consumer group” in Montana: The two health plans that cover state and university system employees.

With an annual budget approaching $150 million that covers 50,000 people, the two plans are a powerful force in Montana’s health insurance markets.

Full Story: http://www.mtstandard.com/articles/2007/08/07/state/hjjcjbjcjijjee.txt

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Insurance debate: Lots of options, no clear solution

By Mike Dennison of The Standard State Bureau

For the 7,500 people who get health coverage under the “health trust” sponsored by the Montana Contractors Association, things couldn’t be simpler.

It comes at no premium cost to the employees of the 70 companies participating in the plan. Whether you’re 19 and single, or 45 with a family of five, you and your dependents are covered.

Full Story: http://www.mtstandard.com/articles/2007/08/07/state/hjjcjbjcjijiid.txt