800.336.0013 WHO WE ARE MESSA believes the hardworking people who care for our kids, our schools and our communities deserve exceptional health benefits and unmatched personal service. 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 We cover about 64,000 members and 189,000 insured lives. Members have the greatest choice of doctors (Find Care) and access to expert medical care from the best hospitals. Our Member Service Center has been nationally recognized numerous times for excellence in personal service and cost-effective operations. We provide personal support to members with chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease and diabetes. Unlike for-profit insurance companies, not a dime of our members’ premiums go toward shareholder profits or CEO bonuses. We are extremely efficient in our use of resources. We do not pay agent commissions and our administrative fees are lower than competitors. Employers receive training and support to effectively manage employee benefits. Each group is assigned a local field representative to provide personal service to employees and the employer. MISSION STATEMENT To exceed the expectations of our customers by providing extraordinary service and a superior healthcare experience. CONTACT US EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE TO MEMBERS Take your mental health seriously As a nonprofit formed and governed by everyday school employees, we at MESSA know that teachers and education support professionals are facing extraordinary pressure right now, leaving them feeling overwhelmed and stressed. We’re committed to helping keep educators both physically and mentally healthy — and that’s why we provide excellent coverage for mental health services. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and it’s negatively affecting your family or work, consider making an appointment to see a therapist. MESSA covers traditional, in-person therapy just like a typical office visit. There are no limits on outpatient mental health visits. In addition, you can talk to a therapist from the comfort of your own home through MESSA’s online doctor service, provided through a partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Using your smartphone, tablet or computer, you and each of your covered family members can choose from a roster of certified therapists, counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists. You can then schedule a 45-minute appointment between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. any day of the week. If you need help finding an in-network provider, call our East Lansing Member Service Center at 800-336-0013 or visit messa.org/findcare. If you’d prefer to see a mental health provider through the Online Visits platform, download the Blue Cross Online Visits mobile app or visit messa.org/onlinevisits. ROSS WILSON • MESSA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MESSA BOARD OF TRUSTEES Michelle Chase MESSA Board President Jennifer Jones MESSA Board Vice President Dr. Charles R. Bacon Trustee, Ferris State University Sarah Carter Trustee, Romulus Community Schools Lisa Welch Trustee, South Lyon Community Schools Robert Hanchek Trustee, North Central Area Schools Tamara M. Lewis Trustee, Harrison Community Schools Liza Parkinson Trustee, Utica Schools Brett Smith MEA Secretary-Treasurer Paula Herbart MEA President Chandra Madafferi MEA Vice President Michael Shoudy MEA Executive Secretary QUESTIONS ABOUT MESSA INSURANCE? ASK OUR EXPERTS. CONTACT US Service Center: 800.336.0013 | TTY: 888.445.5614 © 2021 MESSA | Disclaimer | Privacy | Language Assistance | Non-discrimination Notice Facebook YouTube Twitter Go to Top