BCBS Foundation Awards $1.3 Million in Grants

BOSTON — The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation has awarded $1.3 million in grants to 26 community organizations across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts whose missions are dedicated to promoting accessible and affordable healthcare for vulnerable and low-income residents. The grants range from $40,000 to $75,000 per year for two years.

With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) underway, the foundation’s support of organizations on the front lines is more important than ever, said Audrey Shelto, president. “These organizations all have a clear strategy to impact access or affordability; a history of collaboration with other groups on important issues such as the state’s dual-eligibles initiative, Chapter 224; and strong track records in consumer engagement and support. We are pleased to renew many of our prior grantees and welcome the Codman Square Health Center; Community Action of the Franklin, Hampshire, and North Quabbin Regions; Community Health Programs Inc.; and the Fishing Partnership Health Plan to the cohort.”

The grants were made in two of the foundation’s program areas, Connecting Consumers with Care and Strengthening the Voice for Access, both of which were implemented in 2001 when the foundation first began its grant-making efforts.

Connecting Consumers with Care provides up to two years of programmatic support to organizations that are engaged in comprehensive outreach and enrollment services, an enhanced approach to educating consumers on effective navigation of the healthcare system, and strategic collaboration with the advocacy community to identify and address barriers that prevent consumers from easily accessing coverage and care.

Strengthening the Voice for Access provides up to two years of core operating support to organizations that are strengthening community-based policy activities, increasing citizen participation in public-policy development, and promoting collaboration among statewide policy and advocacy organizations on coverage and affordability.