Daily Briefs, December 5

Holiday Parties
The Wayne County Probate Court is hosting its holiday party from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22 at the Greektown Casino and Hotel. The event has been successful in the past thanks to the help and cooperation of more than 250 employees and contributors. Donors of $150 will receive a ticket to the party, send one employee to the party and receive complimentary parking. The cost of each additional ticket is $75. The court is seeking patrons able to make a donation of $150. Donations should be made by Dec. 15. Make checks payable to Wayne County Probate Court Employees Fund and mail it to “Melissa Nieman, 24026 Waterview Dr., New Boston, MI, 48164.”

The Women’s Bar Association, Oakland County region of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, will host its 29th Annual Holiday Party on Thursday, Dec. 8, at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar at 323 North Old Woodward in Birmingham from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost to attend the party are as follows: $30 for current law students, $45 for WLAM members, $50 for non-members, and $55 at the door. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor may do so at the following levels: Platinum, $400, includes six admissions; Gold, $300, includes four admissions; Silver, $200, includes three admissions, and Bronze, $150, includes two admissions. For additional information, contact Ruth Lyons at rlyons@garanlucow.com.

Firm offers final Before the Bell Breakfast for 2011
Area investment advisors, registered representatives, and trust officers are invited to join the law firm of Miller Canfield at the final Before the Bell Breakfast Forum in 2011.  “The Changing Rules—Suitability, Know-Your-Customer and Social Media” will be offered on Thursday, Dec. 15, from 7:15 to 8:30 a.m. at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham.

Miller Canfield securities lawyers Mike Coakley, Tom Cox, and Todd Holleman will discuss two new consolidated FINRA rules governing Know-Your-Customer (Rule 2090) and Suitability (Rule 2111) obligations of broker-dealers recently approved by the SEC as well as how the FINRA rules governing communications with the public apply to social media sites that are sponsored by a firm or its registered representatives.

Space is limited.  Advance registration is required.  There is no cost to attend.

Register online by Friday, Dec. 9, at www.millercanfield.com/news-events-466.html.  For additional information, call 248-267-3345 or e-mail bera@millercanfield.com.

Michigan Blue Cross deal freezes Medigap rates until Aug. 2016
LANSING (AP) — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Attorney General Bill Schuette say they’ve agreed to keep rates stable for seniors who buy supplemental health coverage from the insurer.

The deal announced last Thursday affects so-called “Medigap” policies bought to supplement Medicare coverage. Schuette says the agreement freezes rates until August 2016.

It’s part of an agreement that allows Michigan Blue Cross and Philadelphia-based Independence Blue Cross to acquire a stake in AmeriHealth Mercy.

The company has Medicaid managed-care contracts in states including Pennsylvania, Indiana, and South Carolina.

The joint venture could provide an opportunity for Blues insurers nationwide to expand into Medicaid coverage just as states are seeking ways to save money in the program and the ranks of Medicaid enrollees is poised to grow.

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