PHP into Jackson, Hillsdale, Washtenaw and Lenawee counties

Published: Feb. 18, 2011

LANSING, Mich. - As part of its continued growth, Physicians Health Plan of Mid-Michigan (PHP) is expanding its service area to include all of Jackson and Hillsdale counties and parts of Washtenaw and Lenawee counties.

The move, approved by the state Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation, will broaden PHP's reach into southern Michigan. The Lansing-based plan now covers all or parts of 14 counties. It already includes all or parts of Ingham, Eaton, Ionia, Clinton, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Montcalm, Saginaw, and Shiawassee counties. The not-for-profit health maintenance organization is affiliated with Sparrow.

PHP provides high-quality health care coverage to more than 400 employers and 70,000 members. It was recently named the state's best health plan for customer service in the 2010 Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey.

"Jackson-area employers who purchase health insurance have continued to express interest and support for PHP, encouraging us to make this decision," said PHP President and CEO Scott Wilkerson. "Expanding access in the Jackson area will provide greater choices to those employers and their employees and dependents.

"Our number 1 ranking in customer service is a clear indication as to why they would want to have access to PHP."

PHP expects to add thousands of new members through the expansion.

PHP also administers HIP Michigan, the statewide program to provide high-quality health coverage to chronically uninsured Michigan residents with pre-existing conditions.