15 Years Helping People Choose Coverage Confidently
We're an independent agency — not tied to any one carrier — so our advisors recommend what actually fits your life, your family, and your business.
Our StoryWe started Great Lakes Coverage because health insurance should never be this hard.
In 2010, our founder watched his sister — a self-employed graphic designer in her early 30s — spend three weeks trying to understand her health insurance options after losing her job. Three weeks. Dozens of confusing websites, conflicting information, and zero guidance from people who actually understood the system.
She eventually gave up and went uninsured for eight months. Four months later, she was in the emergency room with appendicitis. The bill was $34,000.
That's the story that built Great Lakes Coverage. We created this agency because navigating health insurance is genuinely difficult — and it shouldn't require a law degree to understand your options.
What makes us different
Our MissionTo make quality health coverage accessible, understandable, and affordable for every American — individual, family, or business — through honest, expert guidance and a service that costs you nothing.
Our values
Licenses & credentials
Great Lakes Coverage is licensed to sell health, dental, vision, life, and supplemental insurance in all 50 states. Our agents are appointed with all major carriers including:
Michigan's Health Insurance
Landscape — What Every
Michigander Should Know
The plan that works in Detroit may not work in Marquette. Here's what makes Michigan's insurance market unique — and how we navigate it.
The Healthy Michigan Plan — Medicaid Expansion
Michigan expanded Medicaid in 2014. The Healthy Michigan Plan covers adults 19–64 earning up to 133% FPL. Michigan's expansion includes an innovative health risk assessment requirement that, when completed, reduces member copays. Over 700,000 Michiganders are enrolled. Our advisors verify Healthy Michigan eligibility before recommending marketplace plans — because if you qualify, it's almost always the best option.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan — The Dominant Force
BCBS Michigan is the state's largest insurer and has a contractual obligation to offer coverage in every Michigan county — a legal responsibility no other carrier shares. BCBS's Blue Care Network HMO and BlueShield PPO cover virtually every hospital in the state. For Michigan residents who want maximum network flexibility and confidence in out-of-pocket cost predictability, BCBS is often the anchor recommendation.
Priority Health & the West Michigan Ecosystem
Priority Health, headquartered in Grand Rapids, has strong networks throughout West Michigan, central Michigan, and growing presence in Southeast Michigan. Tied to Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health and Beaumont), Priority Health is the natural choice for residents relying on Corewell-affiliated hospitals and specialists.
The Upper Peninsula Challenge
Michigan's Upper Peninsula is one of the most remote and medically underserved regions in the Midwest. Hospital access is limited, and carrier options are significantly fewer than in the Lower Peninsula. BCBS Michigan's universal obligation to serve every county provides a critical safety net. Our advisors have specific expertise in UP coverage navigation and telehealth-inclusive plan options that serve remote communities.
Real Michiganders.
Real Coverage Wins.
From Dearborn auto workers to Ann Arbor professionals to Traverse City families.
“I took the Ford buyout package and was terrified about COBRA pricing. Great Lakes Coverage walked me through the ACA marketplace numbers and saved my family over $600/month on a comparable plan. Knew their stuff cold.”
Tony G.UAW Member (Ford retiree), Dearborn
“We do seasonal work up in Traverse City and our income fluctuates. Our advisor figured out exactly when to apply for the Healthy Michigan Plan and when marketplace subsidies made more sense. Kept us covered year-round.”
Sarah & Jim K.Seasonal Family, Traverse City
“Running a small dental practice in Ann Arbor, I needed group coverage that included U-M Health for my staff. Great Lakes Coverage compared four carriers in 48 hours and we enrolled the same week. Genuinely impressive service.”
Dr. Elena M.Self-Employed Dentist, Ann Arbor