RELEASE
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan accepting Strengthening the Safety Net program grant applications for health care clinics through June 3
Teddy Lemmer
| 3 min read
DETROIT, April 17, 2024 – Safety net health care clinics across the state are invited to apply for grants through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Strengthening the Safety Net program. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the program and Blue Cross’ commitment to increase access to affordable health care and improve health equity for all Michigan residents. Blue Cross has invested $19 million in grants to help more than 50 clinics across Michigan provide over 2 million patient visits, including free or low-cost medical, dental and behavioral health care for more than 250,000 uninsured and underinsured residents.
The Strengthening the Safety Net program helps fund clinical comprehensive services such as primary care and behavioral health (e.g., mental health and substance use disorder services), in addition to specialized care like women’s health, lab/imaging services and dental care. Grantees also offer patient navigation services, which includes helping patients enroll in Medicaid or the health insurance marketplace, securing prescription assistance, and reaching out to partners who offer food, transportation and housing assistance. In the 2024-2025 grant year, grantees expect to care for over 60,000 uninsured and underinsured Michigan residents during 180,000 visits.
People without a primary care resource lack chronic disease management, prevention support and early detection and treatment. Without access to routine care, the most common causes of illness, disability and death in the U.S. remain untreated and individuals experience the worst outcomes from diseases. Persons of color and low-income patients have a higher chance of facing these outcomes. Medicaid redetermination has made receiving health care services more complicated for some as the process began in June 2023. In the first seven months of the Medicaid redetermination period, 437,000 additional Michiganders lost health insurance coverage. Safety net clinics are responding by caring for impacted patients and helping them explore coverage options.
“Care provided by safety net grantees is core to improving the health of individuals, families and communities in Michigan,” said Ken Hayward, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan vice president and special assistant to the president for Community Relations. “We’re incredibly proud to celebrate 20 years of the Strengthening the Safety Net program to create a healthier Michigan, regardless of socioeconomic status or marginalization.”
Applicants may apply for a grant to support clinic operations or services as a medical or dental home.
1. Clinic operations: Safety net clinics that provide episodic care, are open for limited hours and treat more than 100 uninsured and underinsured patients annually are eligible to apply for up to $15,000 to support their operations, including clinical and patient navigation services.
2. Medical and dental homes: Clinics that serve as medical or dental homes and are open for at least 30 hours per week, or bill Medicaid, are eligible to apply for up to $25,000 to support team-based care, including clinical and patient navigation services. Awards at this level require a $10,000 match.
Eligible clinics can now apply for grants through Monday, June 3. Final award amounts will be based on the number of applications received, the scope of applications submitted and the amount of funding available. All materials must be submitted via the online application form, accessible at bcbsm.com/safetynet. Any questions can be directed to safetynet@bcbsm.com.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit mutual insurance company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSM provides health benefits to more than 4.7 million members residing in Michigan in addition to employees of Michigan-headquartered companies residing outside the state. The company has been committed to delivering affordable health care products through a broad variety of plans for businesses, individuals and seniors for more than 80 years. Beyond health care coverage, BCBSM supports impactful community initiatives and provides leadership in improving health care. For more information, visit bcbsm.com and MIBluesPerspectives.com.
