Why Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Supports Michigan's Free Clinics

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Without health insurance - or without enough health insurance - getting the health care you need can often seem out of reach due to high costs. In Michigan, a network of clinics - often running on a small army of volunteer doctors, dentists and professional staff - provide free or low-cost care as a safety net.
These clinics play a vital role in the health care ecosystem, helping the most vulnerable in our communities. They mostly rely on fundraising to pay their bills, keep the lights on, doors open and shelves stocked with medical supplies.
In the Mitten state, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is the single-largest private funder of free health clinics. Since 2005, Blue Cross has awarded $19 million to health clinics through its Strengthening the Safety Net program.
Strengthening the Safety Net grantees serve approximately 64,000 vulnerable Michigan residents annually. They are located in 24 Michigan counties and plan to provide over 185,000 free or low-cost visits this year. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is the single largest private funder of Michigan’s free clinics.
“Blue Cross is rooted in our social mission to improve the health and well-being of everyone in Michigan, and through these grants, we support health clinics as they provide screening and treatment for those who may have no other options or access to care,” said Ken Hayward, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan vice president and special assistant to the president for Community Relations. “This year is particularly challenging as the Medicaid redetermination process may result in patients losing the insurance coverage gained during the public health emergency. We expect even more people will need the care provided by these safety net clinics.”
In addition to providing care, grant recipients help patients explore coverage options and link them to services provided outside of the clinic that improve health such as food, housing and transportation. Ten safety net clinics offer services bilingually and bi-culturally. As in the past, leaders are required to participate in unconscious bias education and encourage staff and volunteers to also complete training.
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.
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