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
More than coverage: Health plans that support and care
Open enrollment season is in full swing for many groups — and it’s more than just another task to check off your to-do list. It’s a chance to pause, review your health benefits, understand what’s available to you and simply know where to turn when you need care.
At MESSA, you have our support every step of the way. We believe a health plan should do more than provide coverage. It should look out for you and make it easier to take care of your health when you need it most.
If you’re thinking about making a change this year, or if you just want to know more about your bargained benefits, we’re here to help you sort it out.
All MESSA plans include free preventive care benefits when you go to an in-network provider. Each plan also includes Michigan’s largest provider network, giving you the greatest choice of doctors and access to expert medical care from the best hospitals across the nation.
If you need help exploring these health plans, you can use our MESSA Plan Comparison Tool at messa.org/ComparePlans to see your plan options side-by-side.
If you’d like to talk through plan details with someone, we’re here for that, too.
You can call our award-winning Member Service Center at 800-336-0013 or your local MESSA field representative at 866-637-0006.
And remember, choosing a health plan is just the beginning of your MESSA experience. All year long, MESSA members and their families have access to health resources, helpful tools, and real people who are ready to support you along the way.
MESSA cares about you and your family, and we’re always happy to help.
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
MEA Vice President
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
Charlotte Tillerson
Trustee,
Ypsilanti Public Schools