DETROIT — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan continues its efforts in supporting free health clinics throughout the state of Michigan by announcing the opening of its 2014 grant funding program. Through its Strengthening the Safety Net grant program, free clinics through Michigan are encouraged to apply for a grant of up to $15,000 each to enhance the quality and access to health care in the communities they serve. Multiple grants will be distributed to qualifying clinics. This year marks the 10th consecutive year eligible clinics can apply for and operationalize BCBSM’s safety net grants to the benefit of underserved communities.  Applications are being accepted now through midnight on June 16. 

Since the Strengthening the Safety Net grant program was created in 2005, BCBSM has awarded more than $9 million to the state’s free clinics, enabling over 50,000 uninsured and underinsured Michigan residents to obtain needed care each year. In 2013, BCBSM awarded 53 Strengthening the Safety Net grants to free clinics statewide which, in turn, provided health care services to 60,000 uninsured adults.

“These grants are one way Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan expands access to health care services and helps address major health concerns in local communities,” said Kim Kratz, BCBSM senior health care analyst. “Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan offers these grants to promote the health and stability of Michigan through healthier workers, stronger families, engaged communities and overall cost savings to the health care system. When people are ill and have no access to care, it is challenging both financially and emotionally for the entire family. This is the 10th year Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is offering these free clinic grants, and we’re proud to once again partner with local communities to build a healthier Michigan by improving the lives of more than 50,000 vulnerable Michigan families in the year ahead.”

Eligible free clinics may apply for grant funding of up to $15,000 each, and can be used for clinical services and enrollment assistance to help people sign up for health insurance coverage through the Healthy Michigan Medicaid program or the Health Insurance Marketplace. Clinics interested in applying for the Strengthening the Safety Net grants can join an informational conference call on May 27 at 9:30 a.m. or May 29 at 2:30 p.m. To join, call 800.462.5837 and entering pass code 613530#.  Those interested in applying can also email safetynet@bcbsm.com or call 517.325.4651 for additional information. Grants will be announced by July 31.

For more information on the grant program and the application process, visit www.bcbsm.com/safetynet.  

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 4.4 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.