A rich history
MESSA was born out of need at a time when public school employees had few health care options. In 1937, the Michigan Education Association started the first group hospitalization program for public school employees. For the first time, school employees had access to affordable insurance, providing financial protection and peace of mind.
That program evolved through the years and MESSA was formed in 1960 as a nonprofit voluntary employees’ beneficiary association (VEBA). A VEBA operates much like a member credit union-owned and operated by its members. As a VEBA, MESSA’s revenues can only be used to pay and administer our members’ medical claims. Unlike for-profit insurance companies, not a dime of our members’ premiums go toward shareholder profits or CEO bonuses.
Today, we are proud to provide our members and their families with the largest provider network in Michigan, comprehensive medical and prescription coverage, and outstanding personal service. We also offer vision, dental and short-term and long-term disability benefits.
Our members include teachers, education support professionals, K-12 administrators, higher education faculty and staff. For more than half a century, we have provided health benefits to public education employees, and now MESSA benefits are available to all public employees.
Our members keep Michigan’s schools and communities running — MESSA keeps them healthy.
QUICK FACTS
MISSION STATEMENT
To exceed the expectations of our customers by providing extraordinary service and a superior healthcare experience.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE TO MEMBERS
Spring into action and enjoy the outdoors
Spring is the season of new beginnings. When you look outside, the snow has melted, the flowers are blooming and the temperature is rising. This makes for a great time to raise your arms, stretch out and go for a morning jog, an afternoon bike ride or maybe a midday walk in your neighborhood.
In fact, health experts say that exercising outdoors instead of the gym is not only good for you physically, but it benefits your mental health. It can help you relieve stress, feel more energized, feel happier and less tired.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends physical activity of at least 30 minutes a day for five days a week. So why not break free, breathe in the fresh air and have a little fun outdoors? If you've been less active during the long winter, see your doctor before you start a new exercise program. If you need some helpful tips or exercise programs to get you started, visit the MESSA wellness program website.
Learn more at https://www.messa.org/wellness.
ROSS WILSON • MESSA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MESSA BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Eric Ghiggia
MESSA Board President
Deven Parrish
MESSA Board Vice President
Erik Edoff
MESSA Executive Secretary
Aaron Eling
MEA Secretary-Treasurer
Bob Callender
Trustee,
Warren Consolidated Schools
Roy Freeman
Trustee,
Dowagiac Union Schools
Angela Lentz
Trustee,
Wayne-Westland Public Schools
Marcia Mackey
Trustee,
Central Michigan University
Chandra Madafferi
MEA President
Jessyca Mathews
Trustee,
Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools
Erin Monk
Trustee,
Byron Center Public Schools
Candice Ridley
Trustee,
Pontiac Public Schools
Brett Smith
MEA Vice President
Charlotte Tillerson
Trustee,
Ypsilanti Public Schools