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
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE TO MEMBERS
Schedule your free annual checkup today
Last month, you probably made some healthy New Year’s resolutions. Why not continue that healthy streak and schedule your annual physical today to help get 2024 off to the right start?
We at MESSA care about your health and well-being. That’s why we want you to stay on top of your health.
February is American Heart Month and National Cancer Prevention Month, a moment to raise awareness about the two leading causes of death in the United States – heart disease and cancer.
It’s also a great time to put your MESSA benefits to work.
At MESSA, we cover one physical every calendar year for members and their dependents, making it easy to prioritize your health. This preventive checkup is free under every MESSA plan if you see an in-network provider.
Often, we are so busy with the tasks of everyday life that we hit the pause button on our health. However, regular checkups are necessary to live a full and healthy life. Routine physicals can help identify early health concerns and can be a lifesaver.
If you need help finding an in-network doctor, call us at 800-336-0013 or use our Find Care tool at www.messa.org/FindCare.
ROSS WILSON • MESSA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MESSA BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Lisa Welch
MESSA Board President
Sarah Carter
MESSA Board Vice President
Earl Wiman
MESSA Executive Secretary
Aaron Eling
MEA Secretary-Treasurer
Eric Ghiggia
Trustee,
West Iron County Schools
Marcia Mackey
Trustee,
Central Michigan University
Chandra Madafferi
MEA President
Jessyca Mathews
Trustee,
Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools
Becky Newell
Trustee,
DeTour Area Schools
Deven Parrish
Trustee,
Howell Public Schools
Brett Smith
MEA Vice President
Charlotte Tillerson
Trustee,
Ypsilanti Public Schools
Rich Vander Klok
Trustee,
Jenison Public Schools
Becky Wendel
Trustee,
Port Huron Area Schools