RELEASE
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Foundation to Provide Grants for Medication Adherence Programs
Brianna Neace
| 3 min read
DETROIT, Feb. 28, 2017 – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation are awarding up to $300,000 in grants to Michigan-based safety net organizations across the state through the Advancing Medication Adherence in Michigan grant program, focused on supporting initiatives that improve the overall wellness and health status of uninsured, underinsured, low-income and vulnerable people with chronic diseases, while lowering health care costs, by helping patients manage and adhere to their medications. The deadline for applications and letters of interest is March 15. Chronic diseases (such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, hyperlipidemia and asthma) and mental health conditions (including depression and anxiety) are on the rise in Michigan. It is estimated that 50 percent of patients managing such illnesses don’t take their medication as prescribed. The Advancing Medication Adherence in Michigan grant program helps safety net providers develop, adopt or adapt practices and strategies to improve medication adherence they can sustain and providers across the state can replicate. These grants are intended to start new programs, or enhance or expand existing programs, to assist patients with taking their recommended medications and improving their health status. “When people fail to take their medication as prescribed, it is a serious concern,” said Lynda Rossi, executive vice president of Strategy, Government and Public Affairs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “It can significantly impact the overall health of an individual and lead to increased costs of care. Blue Cross is committed to a healthier Michigan, and this is an opportunity to bring awareness to an important issue and have a positive impact on health.” Audrey Harvey, vice president and CEO of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, said, “Our goal is to improve access and quality of health care for Michigan residents by funding research and innovative health programs. We look forward to working with safety net providers that strive to address medication adherence concerns throughout various communities in our state.” Safety net organizations interested in applying for the Advancing Medication Adherence in Michigan grants must submit letters of interest and a completed coversheet by midnight on March 15, 2017. Instructions and application forms are available at bcbsm.com/safetynet or bcbsm.com/foundation. Questions about the program or eligibility can be addressed to innovations@bcbsm.com. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit mutual insurance company, and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSM provides and administers health benefits to more than 4.6 million members residing in Michigan in addition to employees of Michigan-headquartered companies who reside outside the state. For more company information, visit bcbsm.com and MIBluesPerspectives.com.
