DETROIT – More than 50 safety net health care organizations across Michigan today received more than $1.2 million in grants to provide care to the uninsured and underinsured, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation and BCBSM announced.

The BCBSM Foundation and BCBSM awarded $400,000 to four safety net providers to expand access to critical specialty care.

BCBSM also awarded grants to 48 safety net clinics across the state under the “Strengthening the Safety Net” program. Now in its 11th year, the program provides free or low-cost medical and dental treatment for uninsured, underinsured and newly insured Michiganders.

Included in the safety net clinics receiving grants was Care Free Dental of Dickinson and Florence, which received $15,000.

Under the “Strengthening the Safety Net” program, eligible clinics applied for up to $20,000 to support operations or enhance services.

Blue Cross has provided more than $11 million in grant funds since the “Strengthening the Safety Net” program was created in 2004.