As longtime Mass Retirees members know, the Association’s close working relationship with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts dates back nearly to our founding in 1968. Through the decades that followed, the state’s best-known health insurance company has not only provided our enrolled members with excellent benefits, but the team at BCBS MA have been consistent partners for our Association.
Our direct point of contact within BCBS is through the company’s Labor Affairs Division. For decades, Mass Retirees leadership has held seats on the BCBS Labor Advisory Committee and actively participates in the several forums held by the company each year.
One unique aspect of BCBS MA as a company is the longevity of its workforce. A case in point is the recent retirement of Labor Affairs Director Chris May, who retired in January after 34 years with the company.
“While I’m very happy for Chris, I’m sad to see him go. Chris May was one of the first people from BCBS that I met when I came on board with Mass Retirees in 1994. He’s been a friend and close partner for the past 31 years,” said CEO Shawn Duhamel. “Thankfully, Blue Cross has a deep talent pool to draw from in terms of internal promotions. We’re thrilled that Steve Dion has been promoted to Director. Not only has Steve been with the company for more than 26 years, but he also brings deep knowledge of the municipal health insurance market to his new position.”
“Steve Dion and I have worked together on a wide range of municipal health insurance issues over many years. Steve and the entire Blue Cross team have been an important resource for our local retirees serving on Public Employee Committees,” adds Mass Retirees Healthcare and Retirement Advocacy Director Nancy McGovern. “We can’t be happier for Steve with his well-deserved promotion. Given the pressure on the health insurance marketplace and amount of local activity on potential plan changes, we now rely on BCBS more than ever to be there for our members.”