Strengthening the Safety Net: Improving Access to High Quality Health Care in Michigan

For program related questions:
safetynet@bcbsm.com
socialmission@bcbsm.com

For questions about online application submission:
grants@benevity.com

Strengthening the Safety Net grants provide funding to support clinics providing free medical, dental, and/or mental healthcare for uninsured and underinsured residents of Michigan. Applicants may apply for a grant to support clinic operations or services as a medical home.

Program strategies:

• Expanding access to medical, dental and behavioral healthcare, pharmaceutical assistance, and specialty care
• Developing partnerships and referral systems to link patients to health-related social resources
• Helping patients navigate public and private insurance programs
• Maintaining a focus on quality standards and on diversity, equity, and inclusion

Program requirements:

• Support patients impacted by Medicaid redetermination by caring for those who lose coverage and by assisting them with enrollment or re-enrollment in affordable health coverage
• Expand access to high quality care by participating in the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics or the Free Clinics of Michigan quality standards program or submitting a board-approved quality assurance plan
• Develop a mechanism for screening and intervening on health-related social needs and continue to develop a network of partners to provide food, housing, employment, and transportation services
• Work with community health workers, when possible, to improve health outcomes and advance health equity
• Provide integrated care to the extent possible; refer patients to and accept referrals from nearby emergency rooms, behavioral health providers, and others

Eligibility criteria includes:

• Be based in Michigan with a mission to serve low-income, uninsured, and underinsured patients
• Be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) organization or be a community-based nonprofit organization paired with a 501(c)(3)
• Provide medical, dental, vision, mental health, pharmacy, or specialty care services to at least 100 patients and all interested adults
• Provide services at little or no cost to patients
• Work with volunteer administrators and clinicians
• Have a physician serving as medical director
• Be in operation for at least 2 years by October 1, 2024
• Be in good standing regarding all previous Blue Cross grants, if applicable

Grantees from prior years who meet all eligibility requirements can apply in 2024.

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.

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.

Links to additional guidance, application instructions, and the online application are available on the program website.