USofCare and the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics at the University of Pennsylvania Release Safety Net Brief

Washington, D.C. – Today, United States of Care (USofCare) and the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn LDI), in conjunction with Professor Mark Hall at Wake Forest University Law School released a brief that explores the landscape of the health care safety net and the evolving challenges these programs and providers face.  

This brief highlights the opportunities health care reform presents to safety net programs and how these programs have adapted and evolved to continue to serve the most vulnerable populations and ensure access to affordable care. The brief provides state and local examples of successful safety net programs, such as community health centers, free clinics, and safety net hospitals that serve the uninsured, low-income, and immigrant populations from California to Texas. 

“Ensuring that everyone has access to quality health care is paramount,” said USofCare Senior Director of Policy, Kristin Wikelius, adding “Safety net programs help fill the gaps for those who are otherwise unable to afford or access care and continue to adapt to the ever changing health care system to ensure access to care by testing and launching innovative programs.”

This brief is a valuable resource for state policy makers, state level advocates, and safety net programs by redefining the benefits of these programs.

About United States of Care

United States of Care is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization committed to ensuring that every single American has access to quality, affordable health care. The organization supports endorsing state-based policies, building resources to understand current and new ideas, and educating and mobilizing the public to make progress toward this mission. 

About Leonard Davis Institute at the University of Pennsylvania

The Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics is a hub of more than 300 academic experts who are highly-accomplished  in the analysis of the medical, economic, behavioral and social issues that influence how health care is organized, financed, managed and delivered across the United States.