Blue Cross Foundation Seeks Proposals for "Increasing Access to Coverage" Grants

EAGAN, Minn., Nov. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation is seeking proposals for a new grant-making opportunity focused on increasing health care coverage for low-income Minnesotans who are eligible for coverage but are not currently enrolled. The Foundation will fund up to six grants of up to $125,000 each with an opportunity for a second year of funding at the same level based on performance and progress toward goals.

The Foundation seeks to support community organizations that together create a statewide network that serves uninsured Minnesotans in every county. Grantees and their partners in each region will work together to provide a regional network of outreach, support, referral, application completion and guidance to help eligible Minnesotans enroll in public programs. The Foundation will select grantees based on both individual strength and capacity and the ability of the group as a whole to provide both regional and statewide coverage. 

"We know that nearly half a million Minnesotans — just over 9 percent of the population — lack health insurance," said Foundation Executive Director Carolyn Link. "More than half of these people are potentially eligible for public program coverage. Lack of health insurance impacts families' health care and financial health. We want to help support the financial and family stability of lower income Minnesotans by helping them successfully obtain coverage."

The full request for proposals and application are on the website. Proposals are due by 4 p.m. on Monday, January 14, 2013. The Foundation will host webinars on November 27 from 2 to 3 p.m. (CST) and November 28 from 10 to 11 a.m. (CST) for interested applicants. For details on the webinars, contact [email protected].

For more information on Blue Cross' grant-making programs, visit bcbsmnfoundation.org or call (651) 662-3950 or toll free at 1-866-812-1593.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation  exclusively dedicates its assets to improving health in Minnesota, awarding more than $32 million since it was established in 1986. The Foundation's purpose is to make a healthy difference in people's lives by improving the community conditions that affect the health of children and families.

The Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota Foundation is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation