MERS Premier Health was specifically designed to meet the unique needs of public employers and employees in Michigan. After an extensive three-year feasibility study at the request of the MERS membership, MERS Premier Health was established by municipalities to create stability and employer ownership in the area of health care.

Underlying Principles

1. To improve the quality and value of health care benefits by:

• Partnering with public employers to combine market and economic strengths
• Selecting best practice vendors, with full disclosure

2. Applying industry expertise to deliver health management programs that improve the health of members

Legal/Insurance Structure

• While integrally connected to the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System, MERS Premier Health is a public, non-profit health plan trust, that is separate from MERS
• MERS Premier Health is governed by the participating employers in the health program. Participating employers elect the Board of Trustees, who must be covered health plan members
• Statutorily authorized “public employer risk pool for employee health benefits”
• Licensed under Michigan Insurance Code
• Required to:
  • Meet substantial financial reserves
  • Submit quarterly financials
  • Perform annual financial audits