Elevating the Safety Net
A looming physician shortage threatens the safety net that provides health care to vulnerable and low-income communities in Los Angeles County. To address this crisis, L.A. Care launched Elevating the Safety Net in July 2018.
This initiative utilizes four grant programs to recruit and retain highly-qualified primary care physicians for the L.A. County safety net:
Provider Recruitment Program
- To include salary subsidies, sign-on bonuses, and/or relocation costs for highly-qualified physicians recruited into the safety net
- Individual grants of up to $125,000 per hired provider
Provider Loan Repayment Program
- For physicians recruited into the safety net
- Up to $5,000 per month for up to five years
Elevating the Safety Net Scholarship Program
- 4 students at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
- 4 students at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
- Chosen by schools based on financial need
Residency Support Program
- To encourage new physicians to practice and remain in L.A. County
- Establishes 14 new residency positions in five medical facilities
IHSS + Home Care Training Program
- Funds 10-week caregiver training courses throughout the year
- Offered to In-Home Supportive Service workers who provide care for L.A. Care members covered by the Cal MediConnect program