RELEASE
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Providing Safety Net Clinics Grants for the 13th Consecutive Year to Help Uninsured Patients Access Health Care
Brianna Neace
| 2 min read
DETROIT, April 26, 2017 – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is offering grants to safety net clinics across the state through its Strengthening the Safety Net program for the 13th year in a row. The program provides funding to clinics that offer free or low-cost medical and dental treatment for uninsured and under-insured Michigan residents. According to Kaiser Family Foundation, there are still more than 500,000 uninsured individuals in Michigan. Eligible clinics can apply for grants through June 9. “The Strengthening the Safety Net grant program supports Blue Cross’ ongoing efforts to help increase access to affordable, quality health care for all Michigan residents,” said Lynda Rossi, executive vice president of Strategy, Government and Public Affairs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “We’re proud to assist safety net clinics every year whose services and staff are invaluable to the communities they serve. Without them, thousands of people would potentially go without receiving the medical care they need.” According to Healthy People 2020, people with a regular source of health care have better health outcomes and fewer disparities and costs. Clinics that provide free or low-cost medical, dental, mental health, vision and specialty care services may apply for a Strengthening the Safety Net grant to support their operations or to expand their services as a medical or dental home. Clinics can apply for up to $25,000 per clinic and those at the highest level require a match. Applications must be submitted by June 9. As in the past, all grantees are also expected to provide health care and health insurance enrollment services and clinical quality. Grantees must link patients to services such as housing, transportation, nutrition and job placement. Clinics interested in applying for a Strengthening the Safety Net grant can find the Request for Applications and materials at bcbsm.com/safetynet. Questions can be emailed to safetynet@bcbsm.com. Grants will be announced by July 31. 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 and administers health benefits to more than 4.5 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.
