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 innovative programs to recruit, train 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 per academic year at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
- 4 students per academic year 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 new residency positions in medical teaching institutions
IHSS + Home Care Training Program
- Funds 10-week caregiver training courses throughout the year
- Offered to In-Home Supportive Services workers who provide care for L.A. Care members covered by the Cal MediConnect program
Additional Elevating the Safety Net Programs
- Community Health Worker Training Program
- National Medical Fellowships
- Health Career Connection Internship Program and more