A Healthier Michigan Podcast

A Healthier Michigan Podcast


Community First-Partnering for Upstream Affordability

June 09, 2025

Affordability isn't just about medical bills—it's about addressing what drives health in the first place. When people have stable housing, access to healthy food and support for mental health, they use the health care system less and live healthier lives.


In this episode we explore how health care affordability starts far upstream—from food security and housing stability to behavioral health and chronic disease prevention. This episode will spotlight community-based partnerships that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has invested in to address these social determinants of health and ultimately reduce unnecessary costs across the system.


Key Takeaways:

·       Community health is affordability.

·       Blue Cross is investing in upstream solutions that work toward health care affordability, access to health care and a healthier Michigan

·       Partnerships are scalable and sustainable.

·       Data backs this approach. 

·       The future of affordability depends on partnership.