RELEASE
Expanding Access to Care: 2025 Strengthening the Safety Net Grants Support Uninsured and Underinsured Residents
Teddy Lemmer
| 4 min read
DETROIT, April 28, 2025—Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Cross Complete of Michigan (Blue Cross) are pleased to announce the 2025 Strengthening the Safety Net grant applications are open and invite Michigan safety net health care clinics to apply. Over the past 20 years, Blue Cross has invested more than $17 million in Strengthening the Safety Net grants to increase access to affordable health care and improve health outcomes. Each year, these grants support nearly 50 clinics in providing free or low-cost care for uninsured and underinsured community members.
The Strengthening the Safety Net program helps fund comprehensive clinical services, including primary care, dental care and behavioral health (which encompasses mental health and substance use disorder services), as well as referrals to specialty care. Grantees are expected to assist their patients by screening for health-related social needs and by offering patient navigation services, including helping patients enroll in Medicaid or the Health Insurance Marketplace, securing prescription assistance and contacting partners who offer food, transportation and housing assistance. In the 2024-2025 grant year, grantees are caring for over 60,000 uninsured and underinsured Michigan residents during 180,000 visits.
“Improving the health and well-being of our communities is a top priority, which is why we're committed to ensuring quality, affordable health care is available to all Michigan residents,” said Tiffany Albert, senior vice president of Community Relations at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “By working with safety net clinics through the Strengthening the Safety Net program, we can build a healthier future so everyone—no matter their circumstances—can access the care they need.”
Yielding significant long-term outcomes, the Strengthening the Safety Net program grantees have reduced unnecessary emergency room visits by 400,000 over the past 20 years, resulting in $200 million in savings for the health care system. Providing high-quality, affordable healthcare to people in need, these safety net clinics not only improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations but also help reduce ER visits and uncompensated care costs, which influence consumer insurance premiums.
Access to health services is crucial, especially for those without a primary care provider. Without regular care, managing chronic diseases and identifying health issues early becomes difficult, which can lead to serious long-term health outcomes. In fact, disease prevention plays a crucial role in controlling health care costs, as chronic diseases and declining population health significantly contribute to an increased use of expensive medical services. The Strengthening the Safety Net grant program addresses these challenges by supporting clinics that offer essential health services, ultimately helping prevent disease and make health care more affordable for all Michiganders, especially those with private insurance.
“The Strengthening the Safety Net grant program improves the health of Michiganders and our communities by increasing access to affordable health care. Blue Cross Complete of Michigan is committed to supporting health care clinics that in turn support those most in need. This includes those struggling to access and afford health care and who need assistance with health-related social needs and connecting to community resources,” said Todd Anderson, market president, Blue Cross Complete.
Eligible clinics must be Michigan-based, community-driven organizations that serve low-income, uninsured, and underinsured patients. They must operate as independent nonprofits or partner with a 501(c)(3) organization, provide essential health services to at least 100 patients, offer care at little or no cost and engage volunteer clinicians and administrators. Clinics must also have a qualified clinical director, be independent of national or state affiliates, and have operated for at least two years by October 1, 2025. Applicants may apply for a grant to support clinic operations or services such as a medical or dental home.
1. Clinic operations: Safety net clinics that provide episodic care are eligible to apply for up to $15,000 to support their operations, including clinical and patient navigation services.
2. Medical and dental homes: Clinics that serve as medical or dental homes are eligible to apply for up to $25,000 to support team-based care, including clinical and patient navigation services. Those interested in applying as a medical home must raise an additional $10,000 to match the Blue Cross award.
Eligible clinics can now submit their grant applications through Friday, June 6. Final award amounts will be based on the number of applications received, the scope of applications submitted and available funding. All materials must be submitted via the online application format bcbsm.com/safetynet. For more information, contact KKratz@bcbsm.com.
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 health benefits to more than 4.7 million members residing in Michigan in addition to employees of Michigan-headquartered companies residing outside the state. The company has been committed to delivering affordable health care products through a broad variety of plans for businesses, individuals and seniors for more than 80 years. Beyond health care coverage, BCBSM supports impactful community initiatives and provides leadership in improving health care. For more information, visit bcbsm.com and MiBlueDaily.com.
Blue Cross Complete of Michigan is contracted by the state of Michigan to provide medical services to eligible Medicaid and Healthy Michigan Plan beneficiaries in 58 counties in the Lower Peninsula. Blue Cross Complete of Michigan is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, visit mibluecrosscomplete.com.
