Updates About Executive Office Announcements

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel recently announced a federal lawsuit against insurer Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM). The suit accuses BCBSM of violating antitrust laws in order to monopolize as Michigan’s largest health insurance carrier.

According to Nessel, BCBSM controls 65% of the Michigan health insurance market and 79% of the Preferred Provider Organization market. Nessel argued that Blue Cross’s dominance was caused by anti-competitive agreements that restricted competition and allowed the insurer to drive provider reimbursement rates down, forcing some providers to cut services, close facilities, or leave Michigan. She also claimed that the practices used by BCBSM has resulted in millions of consumers paying inflated prices for their health insurance and medical coverage.

The lawsuit will be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Nessel will leave office in January, meaning her yet-to-be-elected successor, Democrat Eli Savit or Republican Doug Lloyd, will choose to either continue or drop the lawsuit.

Governor Whitmer has announced new appointments to the following state boards and commissions:

Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission

Michael Vollick – Succeeds Gary Heidel

Autism Council

Renee Campbell – Succeeds Emily DeLaGarza

Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System Board

Leslie Bailey-Leonard – Succeeds Elizabeth Eastway

Public Health Advisory Council

Rebecca Bean – Succeeds Nancy Barr

Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services

James Willis – Reappointed

Karen Wang – Reappointed

Jonathan Bischoff – Reappointed

Marisa Spain – Reappointed

Michigan Task Force on Physician Assistants

Charlotte Bradley – Succeeds Melissa Uslak

Maysam Alie-Bazzi, a Dearborn-based public education official with nearly 30 years of experience, has begun her new role as chief deputy superintendent at the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). Alie-Bazzi most recently served as the Dearborn Public Schools executive director of staff and student services. However, she has a wealth of experience, including previously roles as principal, assistant principal, literacy coordinator, media specialist, and a language arts teacher.

Alie-Bazzi holds a master’s degree in reading education, a master’s degree in library and information science, an administrator certificate, a teaching certificate with a major in language arts and a minor in history, and a bachelor’s degree in communications with a focus on public relations.

Alie-Bazzi succeeds Dr. Sue Carnell, who retired effective July 31. Carnell assisted with the transition to the new chief deputy superintendent.