Mission & History
MISSION
To improve the health of Michigan residents, with special emphasis on the health and wellness of children and seniors, while reducing the cost of healthcare.
HISTORY
The Michigan Health Endowment Fund, or the Health Fund for short, was created through Public Act 4 of 2013, which authorized certain changes on how Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) operates. The law requires BCBSM to contribute up to $1.56 billion over 18 years to a health endowment fund that benefits Michigan residents, and specified that the fund should focus on children and seniors, with funding in eight areas:
- Behavioral health
- Health services for foster and adopted children
- Access to healthy food
- Wellness and fitness
- Infant mortality
- Technology enhancements
- Health-related transportation
- Foodborne illness prevention
You can learn more about the eight focus areas here.
In 2015, the Health Fund Board of Directors, composed of nine individuals appointed by the governor, hired the first staff. The organization adopted its first strategic plan in 2016 and released an updated strategic plan in 2021 to guide the organization’s work through 2025. You can view the 2021-2025 strategic plan document here and see the key points in this two-page brief.
Each year brings a fresh reminder that as funders, our success is not separate from that of our partners and ultimately the communities they serve.