By Associated Press
undated – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan reported pay increases for its top executives in 2008. The report filed last week with state officials covers the year that ended shortly before the nonprofit announced plans for a workforce reduction and a request for higher rates for some of its health insurance customers. Blue Cross plans to cut pay for top executives and freeze pay for others in 2009. President and CEO Dan Loepp's 2008 compensation was reported at nearly 1.8 million dollars, up from about 1.66 million in 2007. Four Vice Presidents got retirement packages upon leaving the company. A Blue Cross Spokesperson said the company's executive pay is competitively benchmarked, and in some cases is lower than salaries paid by for-profit rivals.