DETROIT, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network today announced a $1 million grant program that is directed to free clinics in the state to help make it easier for the uninsured to get needed health care.
"This is an issue that touches everyone. Most of us know someone who doesn't have health care coverage," said Richard E. Whitmer, president and CEO of the Michigan Blues. "Our goal is to help the state's free clinics reach out and serve thousands more of the uninsured in our state."
The Michigan Blues have notified the approximately 43 free clinics in the state that offer primary, urgent and preventive care to the uninsured about the grant program. Some clinics also offer dental care and mental health counseling. The clinics rely on the goodness of many physicians, pharmacists, nurses, dentists and other heath care professionals who volunteer their time and skills to provide free care. Treatments, medications, lab services and facility operations remain costly expenses and funding is critical to ensure the future of these services.
"Part of our mission as a local nonprofit health care company is to partner with groups such as free clinics to expand the safety net so that more residents can get access to health care they need," Whitmer said.
To award the grants, the company will create a grant advisory panel made up of representatives from hospital, physician and government groups to help in the selection.
Individuals who work with clinics said the grant program would help meet critical needs.
Sister of Mercy Mary Ellen Howard, state coordinator for Free Clinics of Michigan, said: "Since free clinics do not bill for their services, most do not have a source of funding other than fundraising. Many struggle financially to meet the needs of the uninsured poor families who turn to them for health care and prescription assistance. The free clinic fund established by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is a real blessing for these clinics."
Dr. Lewin Wyatt Jr., a Flint physician, said, "Working as a volunteer physician at the Genesee County free medical clinic, I am aware of the tremendous needs of the uninsured. It is commendable that BCBSM is joining physicians and hospitals in providing care for these patients."
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan also is involved in working with other organizations to help find ways to increase access to health care for the uninsured. The company is a founding member of Michigan's Access to Health Care Coalition, which was formed in 1999 to develop strategies to improve health care coverage and services for the uninsured and underinsured. The coalition comprises organizations and businesses that represent health care professionals, health care purchasers and consumers.
Coalition members identified additional funding for free clinics as one of several actions that need to be taken to help the uninsured in the state. In 2003, approximately 1.1 million people in Michigan were uninsured.
To qualify for the Blues' grant program, the clinic must be a 50l(c)3 charitable organization. The grant application deadline is Feb. 28, 2005. Clinics seeking further information should visit the Michigan Blues Web site at http://www.bcbsm.com/ or call 248-448-5045.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MichiganCONTACT: Helen Stojic of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan,+1-313-225-8113
Web site: http://www.bcbsm.com/