GRAND RAPIDS — Steve Heacock admits to having a level of discomfort about being the focus of the Grand Rapids Whitewater project. Heacock left his job as a senior vice president with Spectrum Health to take the position of president and CEO with the nonprofit organization earlier this month. He said everything he has done in his career has prepared him for this new role.

Health care goes into 2019 facing many of the same issues and trends that have been driving industry change in recent years: the movement to value-based contracting, more use of telemedicine, growing concerns about cybersecurity, and greater price and cost transparency for consumers.

Two trade groups debuted a new association health plan for Michigan small businesses as employers prepare to enter the annual open enrollment period for 2019 health insurance policies.

The association health plan created by two trade groups representing small businesses in Michigan offers a new option for employers to consider for their employee health benefits.

Federal rules issued this summer widen an avenue for small businesses to offer employee health benefits by making it easier for them to unite to form an association health plan.

Before Spectrum Health grew into what it has become today, Rick Breon first had to tackle a fundamental issue that he saw standing in the way: culture.

LANSING — The Michigan Retailers Association wanted to offer its members a way to keep good employees in an industry that frequently struggles with high turnover.

Health insurance premiums for many small employers would dip in 2019 under rate proposals filed with state regulators.

Spectrum Health’s potential acquisition of Lakeland Health could possibly provide a boost for Priority Health to pick up business in the Southwest Michigan market. 

Rates for 2019 individual health insurance policies for Priority Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan offer a stark contrast to prior years, as well as national averages for policy rate increases.