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

safetynet@bcbsm.com

Strengthening the Safety Net grants provide funding to safety net clinics and medical and dental homes to increase access to affordable healthcare for the uninsured and underinsured in Michigan.

Grantees are expected to reach out to local emergency rooms to help reduce unnecessary emergency room use. They should also help address mental health, substance use, and food access.

For the 2023 grant cycle, grantees will also be expected to support safety net patients impacted by Medicaid redetermination by caring for those who lose coverage and by refocusing on coverage enrollment and re-enrollment. A detailed list of grantee expectations is provided in the application instructions.

Funds may be used to support:

• Equipment and medical supplies
• Patient medication
• Patient education related to health and healthcare
• Information technology hardware or software
• Facilities, including rent, utilities, and repairs
• Communications such as printing, postage, and office supplies
• Salaries, wages, and benefits
• Volunteer recruitment and retention
• Discounted contractual services such as lab, X-ray, specialty care, information technology support and grant writing

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, 2023
• Be in good standing regarding all previous Blue Cross grants, if applicable

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.