Community Resources

Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health (SDoH) are conditions in the environment in which people are born, live, and work that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes.

Meridian Health Plan of Michigan has Community Health Workers residing locally covering every county we serve. Meridian partners with the communities we serve to give you the highest quality integrated healthcare. We work with community organizations to give up-to-date information on programs, services, and resources to help our members with their health and wellbeing.

We believe these “health related social needs” are just as vital as routine checkups. all people deserve to live their best life possible. These community resources can link you to a wide range of social services that help you live a better, healthier life.

Community Health Workers can help you get connected to the resources you need!

Support

If you need help and want to find programs in your area that best fit your needs, Meridian suggests:

Public Benefit Programs

Did you know that you can apply for many public benefits online from the comfort of your home using your computer, tablet or phone? This video provides information on benefits you may be eligible for (YouTube)..

Benefit programs to apply for include:

• Cash Assistance (FIP, RCA, SDA)
• Child Development and Care/CDC (Childcare cost)
• Food Assistance (SNAP/FAP)
• Healthcare coverage (Medicaid)
• State Emergency Relief/SER (Housing, Utilities, Burial Cost, Weatherization)
• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families): This program provides grant funds to states and territories to provide families with financial assistance and related support services. State-administered programs may include childcare assistance, job preparation, and work assistance. To be eligible for this benefit program, applicants must be a resident of Michigan, and a U.S. citizen, legal alien or qualified alien. You must be unemployed or underemployed and have low or very low income. You must also be one of the following:
  • Have a child 18 years of age or younger, or
  • Be pregnant, or
  • Be 18 years of age or younger and the head of your household.
• WIC (Women, Infants and Children): - WIC is a nutrition program that helps pregnant and postpartum people, infants and children through an important time of growth and development. WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding/chestfeeding support and referrals to other community programs to improve and support clients’ health and well-being. Clients receive support and education to have healthy pregnancies and get breastfeeding/chestfeeding off to a good start. WIC offers support and guidance to help you feed and care for your family in a healthy way. Our nutrition staff and registered dietitians will work with you to meet your family’s needs. We also offer online nutrition education at www.wichealth.org.

To apply for benefits, go to www.michigan.gov/mibridges and get started today!  The application is available in English, Spanish and Arabic.

Need help with phone and internet cost? Check out Lifeline Service!

Lifeline is both a state and federal program that provides discounts on telecommunications and broadband service to certain qualifying low-income customers. Eligible low-income consumers can receive monthly discounts on their voice telephone and broadband services. Overall, Lifeline discounts may vary depending on state and federal eligibility, as well as type of service and provider.