Health Care in Michigan Gets Boost From Blue Cross Blue Shield

For the 10th year in a row, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is helping to fund more than 50 free medical clinics across Michigan to help the uninsured get the care they need.

In 2014, with the distribution of 53 "Strengthening the Safety Net" grants, Blue Cross will have provided more than $10 million to support safety net providers across Michigan since the grant program was created in 2005. The grants have enabled free clinics to care for more than 60,000 Michigan patients and their families annually and accounted for more than one million patient medical visits.

These safety net clinics provide access to care for tens of thousands of uninsured Michigan residents in need of medical treatment. In so many cases, without these clinics, patients would delay and even forego care at a huge cost to themselves, their families and the health care system. The services can really be life-saving.

This year, grant recipients will each receive $15,000 in funding to assist with daily operations while enhancing the services they offer, including: prescription assistance; medications to patients between pending insurance coverage; dental care; and enrollment assistance for the Healthy Michigan expanded Medicaid plan. The clinics also will help newly insured patients transition from a free clinic to a new primary care provider and access additional services and support.

Here in West Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan grants help support:

Kent County
Catherine's Health Center – Grand Rapids, Mich.
Health Intervention Services – Grand Rapids, Mich.
Oasis of Hope Center – Grand Rapids, Mich.
Baxter Community Center – Grand Rapids, Mich.

Ottawa County
City on a Hill Health Clinic – Zeeland, Mich.
Holland Free Health Clinic – Holland, Mich.
Love in the Name of Christ Free Health Clinic – Grand Haven, Mich.

Allegan County
Renewed Hope Health Clinic – Allegan, Mich.

Barry County
Barry Community Free Clinic – Hastings, Mich.

For more information on Blue Cross' "Strengthening the Safety Net" program, visit bcbsm.com or MiBluesPerspectives.com.