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Governor Vetoes BCBS Bill Due To Restrictive Abortion References

LANSING (WWJ) - The governor has vetoed legislation that would change Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to a non-profit company.

In vetoing the bills, the governor said there was no reference to abortion when the reforms were first introduced. The legislation he vetoed included provisions restricting insurance providers and businesses from providing elective abortion coverage in employee health plans.

A statement from Blue Cross Blue Shield says the company is disappointed with the veto, but will ask the Michigan Legislature to take action early next year to pass the health insurance market reforms.

In a state to WWJ Newsradio 950 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan state that they will ask the Michigan Legislature to take action early in 2013 to pass the health insurance market reforms contained in Senate Bills 1293 and 1294 that were proposed by Gov. Rick Snyder in a form that both legislative chambers and the governor can support.

"We are disappointed with the veto but understand the Governor's decision," said Andrew Hetzel, BCBSM vice president for corporate communications.

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