Application Instructions - CalHealthCares Proposition 56 Medi-Cal Physicians and Dentists Loan Repayment Program - Physicians for a Healthy California

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Application Instructions - CalHealthCares Proposition 56 Medi-Cal Physicians and Dentists Loan Repayment Program - Physicians for a Healthy California
CalHealthCares
       Proposition 56 Medi-Cal Physicians
         and Dentists Loan Repayment
                    Program

        Application Instructions
                    Application Cycle:
               January 18 – February 12, 2021
                      (11:59PM PST)

Page 1 of 83                                                                Rev. 01/18/2021

                          DHCS has contracted with                          (916) 551-2579
                       Physicians for a Healthy California            CalHealthCares.org
                        to administer CalHealthCares.        CalHealthCares@phcdocs.org
Application Instructions - CalHealthCares Proposition 56 Medi-Cal Physicians and Dentists Loan Repayment Program - Physicians for a Healthy California
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

                             Table of Contents
     INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3
          Loan Repayment Program………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...….4
          Loan Repayment Program Taxable Income Status………………..…………………,,…………………………………..………………….5
          Practice Support Grant………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………......6
          Practice Support Grant Taxable Income Status………………………………………………………………………………………………......7
     PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7
       Patient Caseload…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….8
     ELECTRONIC APPLICATION…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..10
          Before You Apply…………………….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..10
          Using and Navigating the E-app…………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………......10
          Step 1: Eligibility…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………14
          Step 2: Communications…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……….…20
          Step 3: Applicant Information…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....22
          Step 4: Facility.Information………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….24
          Step 5: Educational History………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….29
          Step 6: Funds Requested……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..37
          Step 7: Patient Caseload……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….42
          Step 8: Personal Statement………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..47
          Step 8: Valid Business Plan (Practice Support Grant Only) ……………………………………………………………………………….48
          Step 9: Attestations………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………..46
          Step 10: Program Requirements………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………49
          Step 11: Application Review………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...49
          Application Submission……..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……..52
     GETTING QUESTIONS ANSWERED……………………………………………………………………………………………………….53
     REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS……………………………………………………………………………………………..……..54
     HELPFUL TIPS……………………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………………..…..54
     APPENDICES…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..56
          Appendix A: Complete List of Physician Specialties…………………………………………………………………………………………56
          Appendix B: EVF Sample…………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………...61
          Appendix C: Visual for Submitting EVF’s……………………………..………………………………………………………………………………..64
          Appendix D: Total Payoff Balance Statement……………………………………………………….…………………………………………….67
          Appendix E: How to Calculate Patient Caseload………………………………………………………………………………………………..72
          Appendix F: Scoring Matrix by Track………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………..75
          Appendix G: Business Plan Guidelines…………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………81

Page 2 of 83                                                                                  Rev. 01/18/2021

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                                     Physicians for a Healthy California                CalHealthCares.org
                                      to administer CalHealthCares.            CalHealthCares@phcdocs.org
Application Instructions - CalHealthCares Proposition 56 Medi-Cal Physicians and Dentists Loan Repayment Program - Physicians for a Healthy California
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

     Note: These headings will be in green font throughout this manual for ease of navigation.

                                          INTRODUCTION
In 2018, SB 849 established the Proposition 56 Medi-Cal Physicians and Dentists Loan Repayment Act
Program, named the CalHealthCares program, and appropriated $220 million for the loan assistance
program for recently graduated physicians and dentists. An additional $120 million was added to the
program in Governor Newsom’s revised 2019-20 budget. A total of $340 million has been allocated to the
CalHealthCares program from Proposition 56 revenue. The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
has contracted with Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC) to administer the CalHealthCares program.

Approximately $69.3 million was available annually for funding for the first two cycles, FY 2018-19 and FY
2019-20. The following tables illustrate the funding available for FY 2018-19 through FY 2022-23 cycles. This
will result in awards for approximately 917 physicians (See Table 1 below) and 158 dentists (See Table 2 below)
over the course of the program – assuming all awards are funded at $300,000.00 per awardee. Per
Proposition 56, up to 5% of all available funds may be directed for administrative expenses associated
with administering the program.

Table 1: Approximate Funding and Awarding Available for Physicians
    Years           Year 1        Year 2        Year 3       Year 4      Year 5      Totals
 Funding            $58.6         $58.6          $56.1        $56.1      $46.1       $275.5
                    million       million       million      million     million     million
 Number of
 Physicians            195          195           187          187         153         917

Note: These numbers are approximate assuming all awards are $300,000.00 per awardee.

Table 2: Approximate Funding and Awarding Available for Dentists
    Years           Year 1        Year 2        Year 3       Year 4      Year 5      Totals
 Funding            $10.7          $10.7         $9.7         $8.2        $8.2       $47.5
                    million       million       million      million     million     million
 Number of
 Dentists              36           36            32           27          27          158

Note: These numbers are approximate assuming all awards are $300,000.00 per awardee.

Per Senate Bill 849, CalHealthCares was created to provide loan assistance payments to qualifying
recently graduated physicians and dentists who serve beneficiaries of Medi-Cal and Medi-Cal Dental,
California’s Medicaid program. Recently graduated physicians are defined as having graduated from
either a residency or fellowship program within the last five years (between January 1, 2016 and June 30,
2021). Qualifying physicians may apply to the Loan Repayment Program. Recently graduated dentists for
the Loan Repayment Program are defined as having graduated from dental school or a dental residency
program within the last five years (between January 1, 2016 and June 30, 2021). Recently graduated
dentists for the Practice Support Grant are defined as having graduated from dental school within the

Page 3 of 83                                                                                            Rev. 01/18/2021

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Application Instructions - CalHealthCares Proposition 56 Medi-Cal Physicians and Dentists Loan Repayment Program - Physicians for a Healthy California
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

last 15 years (on or after January 1, 2006). Qualifying dentists may apply for the Loan Repayment Program
or the Practice Support Grant – dentists may not apply for both. All medical and dental specialties are
eligible to apply.

Loan Repayment Program: This section contains information for dentists and dental
students/residents, physicians and physician residents/fellows applying to the CalHealthCares Loan
Repayment Program.

Eligible physicians and dentists may receive loan repayment of up to $300,000.00 in exchange for a five-
year service obligation. All specialties are welcome to apply. Physicians (Medical Doctor and Doctor of
Osteopathic Medicine) practicing medicine in primary, specialty, and sub-specialty care are eligible to
apply. Dentists (Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) practicing general and/or
specialty dentistry are eligible to apply.

Below is the List of Loan Repayment Applicant Requirements:
     +    Have an unrestricted license and be in good standing with the Medical Board of California,
          Osteopathic Medical Board of California or Dental Board of California
     +    Be an active enrolled Medi-Cal provider without existing suspensions, disbarments or revocations
          or have applied to DHCS to become an active enrolled Medi-Cal provider
     +    Have graduated from a physician residency program and/or completed a physician fellowship
          program or have graduated from a dental school, dental residency program or dental fellowship
          program between January 1, 2016 and June 30, 2021 (graduates of national and/or international
          schools of medicine are eligible to apply)
     +    Have existing educational loan debt incurred while pursuing a medical degree, residency and/or
          fellowship program or pursuing a dental school degree, dental residency and/or fellowship
          program
     +    Not participating in another loan repayment program as of June 30, 2021
     +    Practice in California/willing to relocate to practice in California
     +    Be employed, self-employed or have a validated offer of employment by June 30, 2021
     +    Willing to maintain a patient caseload comprised of a minimum of 30% Medi-Cal beneficiaries
          and within 10% of the Medi-Cal patient caseload proposed in their application

Below is a Table of Eligible and Ineligible Loans:
 Eligible                                                   Ineligible
         Any outstanding U.S. government (federal,                  Educational loans in pursuit of other post-
         state, or local) and US commercial (i.e.,                  graduate degrees such as Master of Public
         private) student loan for undergraduate or                 Health (MPH), Master of Business
         graduate education obtained by the                         Administration (MBA), or Doctor of
         applicant for school tuition, and                          Philosophy (PhD) are not eligible for the
         reasonable educational expenses in                         Loan Repayment Program. Applicants
         pursuit of their medical and/or dental                     may still apply if you have an MPH, MBA, or
         degree.                                                    PhD; however, their educational loans in
         In the name of the applicant

Page 4 of 83                                                                                          Rev. 01/18/2021

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Application Instructions - CalHealthCares Proposition 56 Medi-Cal Physicians and Dentists Loan Repayment Program - Physicians for a Healthy California
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

           Obtained prior to the submission of the                 pursuit of those degrees are not qualifying
           application to the Loan Repayment                       loans eligible for a loan repayment.
           Program                                                 Parents PLUS loans
           In good standing (not being in default);                Personal lines of credit
           deferment and forbearance are okay                      Loans subject to cancellation
           Consolidated educational loans may be                   Loans in default
           eligible, and they must clearly delineate
                                                                   Credit card debt
           the original loans and the degrees
           conferred. They cannot be with another                  Promissory notes
           person’s loan or with non-educational                   Loans outside of the U.S.
           loans. Failure to provide this information
           may result in ineligibility for the program.

Payments will be made in arrears after every one-year of service, upon verification of meeting program
requirements (i.e. active and unrestricted license, in good standing with the Medi-Cal program,
minimum 30% Medi-Cal caseload). Each annual payment will be 20% of the total award. As such, an
awardee who receives a loan repayment of a total of $300,000.00 and meets program requirements
would receive a $60,000.00 payment after each one year of service, for five years (see Table 3 below), while
an awardee who receives a loan repayment of a total of $100,000.00 and meets program requirements
would receive $20,000.00 after each one year of service, for five years (See Table 4 below). The Loan
Repayment Program award amount is based on the Current Total Payoff Balance of qualifying
educational debt and the applicant’s hours providing direct patient care, or up to a maximum amount of
$300,000.00. The total amount will be included in the contract for the awardee to review prior to the start
of the five-year contractual period. Awardees are responsible for keeping their educational loans in good
standing. Payments will be mailed directly to the awardee in check format after review of approval of
awardee’s Annual Report verifying Medi-Cal patient caseload in addition to other program requirements.

Table 3: Loan Repayment Funding Disbursement Assuming $300,000.00 Award
   Funds disbursed after verification of           Percentage of total
                                                                                  Amount
    meeting program requirements                        awarded
                After first year                           20%                   $60,000.00
               After second year                           20%                   $60,000.00
                After third year                           20%                   $60,000.00
               After fourth year                           20%                   $60,000.00
                After fifth year                           20%                   $60,000.00
Note: Assumes all program requirements have been met. This is verified through review and approval of Semi-
Annual and Annual Reviews.

Loan Repayment Program Taxable Income Status: Payments made under the
National Health Service Corps or any state loan repayment or loan forgiveness program that is intended
to provide for the increased availability of health care services in underserved or health professional
shortage areas are excluded from gross income, effective for amounts received by an individual in tax
years beginning after December 31, 2008. Per the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), certain educational loan
repayment or loan forgiveness programs to help provide health services in certain areas are exceptions

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Application Instructions - CalHealthCares Proposition 56 Medi-Cal Physicians and Dentists Loan Repayment Program - Physicians for a Healthy California
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

to cancellation of debt and therefore reportable but not taxable income. Applicants are advised to
consult with a tax advisor to address questions about whether this loan repayment is considered
reportable and/or taxable income. This response is not intended to provide tax or legal advice. Applicants
with questions regarding the taxable and/or reportable nature of this loan repayment should consult a
tax advisor.

Practice Support Grant: This section contains information for dentists applying to the
CalHealthCares Practice Support Grant.

Dentists may apply for either the Loan Repayment Program or the Practice Support Grant, not both. The
electronic application will ask dentists to choose an option. The Practice Support Grant provides up to
$300,000.00 to relocate, expand or establish a new practice in one of the target counties (as shown in
Step 8 of this document, under Electronic Application), in exchange for a ten-year service commitment.
Relocate means applicants will relocate their current practice to a target county. Expand means
applicants will expand their current practice by opening a new location within a target county. Establish
means applicants will establish a new practice within a target county.

Dentists applying for the Practice Support Grant are not required to have educational loan debt. Dentists
(Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) practicing general and/or specialty dentistry
are eligible to apply.

Below is the List of Applicant Requirements:
     +    Have an unrestricted license and be in good standing with the Dental Board of California
     +    Be an active enrolled Medi-Cal Dental provider without existing suspensions, disbarments or
          revocations or have applied to DHCS to become an active enrolled Medi-Cal provider
     +    Have graduated from dental school or residency program within the last fifteen (15) years (on or
          after January 1, 2006); graduates of national and/or international schools of medicine are eligible
          to apply
     +    Not be currently participating in another loan repayment program or practice support grant as of
          June 30, 2021
     +    Practice in California/willing to relocate, expand or establish a new practice if they receive the
          Practice Support Grant, in one of the target counties
     +    Willing to maintain a patient caseload comprised of a minimum of 30% Medi-Cal beneficiaries
          and within 10% of the Medi-Cal patient caseload proposed in their application

Assuming a funding request of $300,000.00, the funding disbursement is 10% ($30,000.00) after the
initial contract signing, 23% ($69,000.00) in year one and 67% ($50,250.00 each year) across the remaining
four years. The remaining five years will be spent monitoring the awardees to ensure compliance (See
Table 4 below). Awardees who breach their contract will be required to repay a portion of their award.
Details will be provided in the awardee contract.

Table 4: Practice Support Grant Funding Disbursement Assuming $300,000.00 Grant

Page 6 of 83                                                                                           Rev. 01/18/2021

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Application Instructions - CalHealthCares Proposition 56 Medi-Cal Physicians and Dentists Loan Repayment Program - Physicians for a Healthy California
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

                                                     Percentage of total
         When funds will be disbursed                                             Amount
                                                          awarded

         After initial contract signing                      10%                 $30,000.00
                 After first year                            23%                 $69,000.00
               After second year                            16.75%               $50,250.00
                After third year                            16.75%               $50,250.00
               After fourth year                            16.75%               $50,250.00
                After fifth year                            16.75%               $50,250.00
Note: Assumes all program requirements have been met. This is verified through completion of Semi-Annual and
Annual Reviews.

Practice Support Grant Taxable Income Status: Practice support grants are typically
considered reportable and taxable income. The information contained in this document should not be
considered tax advice. Applicants are advised to consult with a tax advisor to address questions about
whether this grant is considered reportable and/or taxable income.

                               PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Awardee is defined as an applicant who has been selected to receive the CalHealthCares award and who
has signed the program contract. Awardees may be considered in breach of their contract if they are
unable to comply with the terms of their contract. If an awardee does not meet the terms of their
contractual obligations, they may not be eligible for the annual payment.

Below is the List of Program Requirements Awardees are Expected to Comply with
Beginning July 1, 2021:
     +    To complete any necessary training programs (i.e., formal schooling, residency and any applicable
          fellowship)
     +    Be employed, self-employed or have a validated offer of employment
     +    Must be eligible to work in the United States for the terms of their contract
     +    Practice in California
     +    Willing to expand and open a new practice, relocate their current practice or establish a new
          practice if awarded the Practice Support Grant, in one of the target countries ( Practice Support
          Grant only)
     +    Maintain a current and unrestricted license and be in good standing with the Medical Board of
          California, Osteopathic Medical Board of California or Dental Board of California (may not be listed
          in Medicaid bar list or the Medi-Cal suspended list)
     +    To be an active enrolled Medi-Cal provider with DHCS and to remain in good standing without
          existing suspensions, disbarments or revocations
     +    Not be subject to a performance improvement plan (i.e., disciplinary action) from an employer
          related to their standard of care

Page 7 of 83                                                                                         Rev. 01/18/2021

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Application Instructions - CalHealthCares Proposition 56 Medi-Cal Physicians and Dentists Loan Repayment Program - Physicians for a Healthy California
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

     +    Not enter another disqualifying loan repayment program or a practice support grant during
          contractual period
     +    Keep their educational loans in good standing and provide documentation satisfactory to PHC
          demonstrating the awardee is in compliance with the terms of each applicable educational loan
          agreement (Loan Repayment Program)
     +    Have their patient caseload comprised of a minimum of 30% Medi-Cal beneficiaries and within
          10% of the Medi-Cal patient caseload proposed in their application for a period of 5 years (Loan
          Repayment Program) and 10 years (Practice Support Grant).
     +    Submit Semi-Annual Reviews (SAR) and Annual Reviews (AR), in the form required by PHC,
          demonstrating compliance with program requirements and their Awardee Agreement/contract.
          This includes submitting Medi-Cal source documentation, which is official data typically
          generated via billing or an EHR system, to support the Medi-Cal caseload percentage reported.
     +    To cooperate with any audit undertaken by PHC or state agency regarding awardee’s compliance
          with the program
     +    To inform PHC in writing, within 10 business days, of any change in: mailing address, telephone
          number, e-mail address, name of lending institution or any other change in circumstances
          (including employment status, Medi-Cal participation, Medi-Cal caseload, loan status, lender
          name or consolidation) impacting an awardee’s eligibility to receive or participate in the Loan
          Repayment Program or the Practice Support Grant

Awardees will be required to submit SARs and ARs regarding compliance with program requirements
such as the active status of their employment, Medi-Cal patient caseload and the status of their
educational loans. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in a breach of contract. Those
who have breached their contract (i.e., defaults in educational loans, reduces hours of direct patient care
and/or whose caseload drops below the minimum of 30% of Medi-Cal beneficiaries) may not be eligible
for an annual payment. To view the SAR and AR documents applicants should visit our website at
www.CalHealthCares.org. DHCS will consider each breach of contract separately and individually. DHCS
has discretion to consider extenuating circumstances determining whether the awardee may remain in
the program.

Patient Caseload: This section elaborates on the following requirement: Maintain patient caseload
at a minimum of 30% Medi-Cal beneficiaries and within 10% of the Medi-Cal patient caseload as proposed
within the application for a period of 5 years (Loan Repayment Program) and 10 years (Practice Support
Grant).

For purposes of this program, a patient caseload may be defined as annual office visits, panel of patients,
payor mix, or time. Applicants do not need to be currently at 30% Medi-Cal to be eligible for the
CalHealthCares program. Awardees must maintain an individual patient caseload comprised of a
minimum of 30% Medi-Cal beneficiaries and within 10% of the Medi-Cal patient caseload proposed in
their application. The proposed Medi-Cal caseload is the percentage applicants will be able to meet, if
awarded. Per the mission statement, CalHealthCares is committed to increasing providers accepting
Medi-Cal patients by supporting and incentivizing physicians and dentists to increase participation in the
Medi-Cal program. The goal of the program is to increase access to care by Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

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Application Instructions - CalHealthCares Proposition 56 Medi-Cal Physicians and Dentists Loan Repayment Program - Physicians for a Healthy California
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

The patient caseload section is worth 20 points of 50 points for the Loan Repayment Program and 20
points of 60 points for the Practice Support Grant.

The information submitted within the application should be considered auditable self-attestation – this
means that applicants will self-attest that they will be meeting the minimum 30% individual Medi-Cal
caseload and within 10% of the Medi-Cal patient caseload proposed within their application. This self-
attestation is subject to an audit. This information must be current and pulled from a reliable and
accurate source such as an electronic health records (EHR) or billing program. Awardees must maintain
an individual patient caseload comprised of a minimum of 30% Medi-Cal beneficiaries and within 10% of
the Medi-Cal patient caseload proposed in their application. Awardees will be required to submit
documentation to verify this requirement as well as describe how they calculated their existing Medi-Cal
caseload semi-annually for their SAR and AR. For each review period, awardees will be required to submit
Medi-Cal source documentation, which is official data typically generated via billing or an EHR system, to
support the Medi-Cal caseload percentage reported for that the given review period.

Therefore, it is important for applicants to speak with their supervisor, practice site and/or organization to
verify they are able to report this information and determine the process for tracking and reporting their
caseload. One should apply to the program with the mindset they consistently need to monitor their
own progress and take action if their Medi-Cal caseload percentages fall below the parameters set in the
awardee contract and by the program as described earlier in this section. Appendix E contains more
information on how to calculate the patient caseload.

Below is a list of how each approved definition is calculated:
     +    Payor mix is determined by calculating the percentage of revenue or number of claims submitted
          from each payor
     +    Panel of patients is determined by calculating the number of patients a provider is responsible for
          managing
     +    Annual patient visits is determined by calculating the number of patients seen in a one-year
          timeframe (patient encounters)
     +    Practice time is determined by the amount of time you have spent with each patient

Payments will not be made if an awardee fails to meet the program requirements outlined above. All
awardees are required to have their patient caseload comprised of a minimum of 30% Medi-Cal
beneficiaries and within 10% of the Medi-Cal patient caseload proposed within this application. Awardees
who meet the minimum of 30% Medi-Cal beneficiaries but are not within 10% of their stated proposed
Medi-Cal percentage will be placed on a probationary period. To view the Probationary Period document,
applicants should visit www.CalHealthCares.org and go to the Awardee Resources page. An awardee
may be terminated from the program if there are two consecutive years in which they do not comply
with the terms of their contract. For example, if an awardee fails to meet the terms of their contract in
year one, they will not receive an annual payment for their first year in the program. They may remain in
the program and will be monitored for program compliance in future years and if they are able to meet
all program requirements for the second year, they will receive an annual payment for the second year. If
the awardee fails to meet the program requirements for the second year, the awardee may be

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APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

terminated from the program. DHCS has discretion determining whether awardees may remain in the
program.

                              ELECTRONIC APPLICATION
Before You Apply: This section covers a few things applicants should be aware of prior to
accessing the online application.

Pre-Application Checklist:
     +    Utilize the numerous following instructional resources to better understand the process for
          applying and the program requirements, if awarded: read the Application Instructions (this
          written manual), read the Applicant Checklist and watch the 2021 Application Cycle Webinar.
          resources break the application down into step-by-step format.
     +    Review infographic, Fact Sheet, and FAQs for their corresponding group (dentists or physicians)
          on www.CalHealthCares.org.
     +    Speak with their supervisor, practice site and/or organization to verify they are able to report this
          information and determine the process for tracking and reporting their caseload, for the purpose
          of submitting their SAR and AR, if awarded.
     +    Collect Employment Verification Forms (EVF) from their direct supervisors for each practice site.
          (Download from www.CalHealthCares.org.) Appendix B has more information on filling out the
          EVF.
     +    Loan Repayment Program Only: Obtain educational loan statements with Total Payoff Balance
          amount. Appendix D contains more information on obtaining this statement.
     +    Practice Support Grant Only: Create valid business plan detailing business relocation, expansion
          or establishing a new location of an existing business in a target county. Appendix G contains
          more information on what the business plan must include.

Applicants should keep in mind that this is a very competitive program. Funding is approximate and
applying is not a guarantee of award. The scoring criteria can be viewed by accessing Appendix F. DHCS
shall make the final determination on who is awarded. PHC has convened an Advisory Council to make
recommendations to DHCS.

Using and Navigating the E-App: This section provides an overview of the electronic
application and tips on navigating through the different pages.

Applications, along with supporting documents, are submitted electronically and will not be accepted
separately or in hard copy form. Each applicant must create an individual account with a username and
password. Returning applicants may use their previous username and password or can create a new
account. Returning users will not be able to see their previous application. An applicant must register an
account to view and complete the application. The electronic application link will go live on
www.CalHealthCares.org on January 18, 2021.

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Applicants are expected to fill out the required sections completely (the application will not allow
them to move on until they do), as well as submit additionally requested documentation in
complete format, without missing fields. If the applicant does not understand one or more fields, it
is their responsibility to contact the program (“Getting Questions Answered” provides contact
information). Otherwise, their application will be considered incomplete and they may be deemed
ineligible.

The following sections provide a step-by-step view of the questions on the CalHealthCares electronic
application with screenshots and a corresponding description for each section. To optimize navigation of
this instruction manual, CalHealthCares has also created a color-coded key based on the track the
applicant is applying with. There are 5 different tracks as shown below:

      Applies to all tracks
      Current Physician Resident or Physician Fellow
      Physician
      Current Dental Student or Dental Resident
      Dentist applying to Loan Repayment Program
      Dentist applying for Practice Support Grant

Once applicant logs in, the following landing page appears:

      Applies to all tracks

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                                        DHCS has contracted with                               (916) 551-2579
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APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

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                   DHCS has contracted with                              (916) 551-2579
                Physicians for a Healthy California                CalHealthCares.org
                 to administer CalHealthCares.            CalHealthCares@phcdocs.org
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants may watch the video for help with navigating the technical aspects of the application. Please
make sure to read the information on the program, as well as read and check off the individual
statements.

The application contains tabs for the 11 steps and a warning sign appears at the top of each page of the
application emphasizing that the applicant must meet all program requirements for the duration of the
contract, if awarded, in order to maintain program eligibility and receive an annual payment:

     Applies to all tracks

     Current Physician Resident or Physician Fellow
     Physician

     Current Dental Student or Dental Resident
     Dentist applying to Loan Repayment Program

     Dentist applying for Practice Support Grant

At the bottom of each page of the application is more information, numbered one through four.

     Applies to all tracks

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APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Additionally, at the bottom of each page of the application is CalHealthCares contact information.

     Applies to all tracks

Applicants will not be allowed to move forward to the next step in the application without completing all
mandatory fields. They can always go back to previous steps if they need to make a correction.

Step 1 – Eligibility: This section contains program eligibility requirements and questions about
additional loan repayment programs you may be participating in.

If applicant would like to view a preview of the entire application for a given track, they can select the
button, “view preview” (as shown below), and it will take them to a pdf of the application.

     Applies to all tracks

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                                         DHCS has contracted with                                   (916) 551-2579
                                      Physicians for a Healthy California                     CalHealthCares.org
                                       to administer CalHealthCares.                 CalHealthCares@phcdocs.org
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applicant should select one of five tracks pertaining to them. Applicants who use the incorrect track (ex:
physician residents using the physicians track instead of the physician residents or physician fellows
track) may be deemed ineligible and as a result will be disqualified from the CalHealthCares program.
The selected track chosen by the applicant will impact the format and questions of the entire application.
If applicant changes the track after filling out some of the steps, they may have to re-enter the
information. As a reminder, dentists may apply for either the Loan Repayment Program or the Practice
Support Grant. Eligible dentists may not apply for both – the electronic application will ask eligible
dentists to choose the option for which they are applying.

     Applies to all tracks

Then, a checklist of attestations will pop-up corresponding to the selected track. Applicant should read
and check off all the attestations prior to continuing.

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APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

     Current Physician Resident or Physician Fellow

     Physician

     Current Dental Student or Dental Resident

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APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

     Dentist applying to Loan Repayment Program

     Dentist applying for Practice Support Grant

The information provided should be considered auditable self-attestation. This means applicants will self-
attest they are able and willing to comply with the program requirements and any other inquiry by PHC,
DHCS or state agency. Applicants and awardees will be asked to provide documentation regarding but
not limited to the following: at the time of the SAR, AR and other potential audits, to ensure compliance
with the program requirements:

     +    Current medical and/or dental license by the Medical Board of California, Osteopathic Medical
          Board of California and/or Dental Board of California
     +    Proof of employment
     +    Evidence of awardee’s patient caseload comprised of a minimum of 30% Medi-Cal beneficiaries
          and within 10% of the proposed Medi-Cal patient caseload as noted within this application
     +    Proof of current educational loan debt. Loan statement should include applicant’s name, address,
          date and Total Payoff Balance. Applicant’s Total Payoff Balance should include the amount it
          would take to pay off their loan, including interest. Applicants will be held to the payoff amount

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APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

          they provide. Any inconsistencies on the lender statement and the application can result in the
          following: reduction in award amount, incomplete application, or applicant found not eligible.
     +    Proof of enrollment as a Medi-Cal provider
     +    Proof of contracts with Medi-Cal managed care plans and/or fee-for-service Medi-Cal
     +    Proof of agreements with safety net providers such as designated public hospitals and/or
          Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC)

Next is a question about other loan repayment programs the applicant may be currently participating in.

     Applies to all tracks

The options are yes or no. Selecting yes prompts the following drop-down menu:

Applicants currently participating in another disqualifying loan repayment program who will not
complete their service obligation by June 30, 2021 with that program are not eligible to apply. This may
include employer-sponsored, local, regional, state and/or national loan repayment programs. Applicants
in this situation are welcome to apply to the CalHealthCares Loan Repayment Program after successfully
completing their other loan repayment program.

The following message appears for those who are not currently eligible to apply due to participation in
another loan repayment program:

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APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

     Applies to all tracks

The options are yes or no. Selecting yes prompts the following drop-down menu and additional
questions:

Participating and successfully completing a loan repayment program in the past will not impact an
applicant’s eligibility.

This page is critical. Applicants must check off they are eligible to apply based on the criteria set forth. If
applicants do not check off all boxes, the electronic application will not allow them to continue further.
Applicants will receive an error message and have the opportunity to explain why they think they are still
eligible to apply, as shown below.

     Applies to all tracks

Page 19 of 83                                                                                        Rev. 01/18/2021

                                         DHCS has contracted with                                   (916) 551-2579
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APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

PHC will consider each request for consideration separately and individually and make a
recommendation to DHCS for consideration. DHCS has discretion to consider extenuating circumstances
in determining whether an applicant may be eligible for the program.

Step 2 – Communications: This section contains questions on communications/outreach and
whether the applicant is new or returning.

     Applies to all tracks

If applicant has heard about the program through multiple channels of communication, they should
select the option that best describes their initial exposure to the program. Responses will help PHC with
future marketing and outreach efforts. If applicant selects “Other,” they will be prompted to type in their
response.

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APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

     Applies to all tracks

If applicant selects “Other,” “Presentation,” “Specialty Society,” or “Professional Association,” they will be
prompted to type in their response.

If applicant selects “Email” or “Social Media,” the following pop-up menu appears, based on the selection.

Applicants should select the option representing best outreach methods for future CalHealthCares
cycles.

Lastly (for Step 2), the applicant should indicate if they are a new or returning applicant. They may select
both cohorts if they have applied twice. Applicants are still eligible to apply to the program even though
they may have applied previously if they still meet program requirements.

     Applies to all tracks

Page 21 of 83                                                                                         Rev. 01/18/2021

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APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applicant should click “next” if ready to move on to the next page, or “back” if they would like to return to
the previous page. These buttons appear on slides 2 through 10 of the application.

Step 3 – Applicant Information: This section contains information about the applicant (i.e.,
contact information, demographics, National Provider Index Number (NPI), languages used with
patients, specialty.

First, fill out contact and demographic information.

     Applies to all tracks

     ➢ Applicant Information: This section is for contact information and other demographic information.
       Applicant should ensure information for address, telephone number and email are accurate as
       PHC will use this information to contact applicants regarding award status, contracts, payments,
       etc.

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APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

     ➢ Name: Applicant should provide their first, middle, and last name as it appears on their medical,
       osteopathic or dental license. First and last name is mandatory; middle name is optional within
       the application, as some applicants may not have a middle name.
     ➢ Primary Address, Primary Telephone Number, and Primary Email: Applicant should provide the
       preferred primary address and telephone number. PHC will use these contact methods if there is
       a need for additional information to determine the applicant’s eligibility and/or to reach out to the
       applicant if they are awarded.
     ➢ Secondary Telephone Number and Email: Applicant should provide a back-up telephone number
       and email. PHC will use these secondary contact methods if there is a need for additional
       information to determine applicant’s eligibility and/or to reach out to the applicant if they are
       awarded, if PHC cannot reach the applicants and awardees at their primary contact methods.
     ➢ Sex, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity: Applicant should select option that best describes them.
       Demographic information such as gender, date of birth and race/ethnicity will not be used to
       determine applicant’s eligibility for funding. This information is collected solely for statistical
       purposes.

Next, applicant will need to provide License Number and a 10-digit NPI. If an applicant does not yet have
an NPI or license number, they should input all 1’s.

     Current Physician Resident or Physician Fellow
     Physician

Selecting “Medical license” will trigger the following window:

Page 23 of 83                                                                                     Rev. 01/18/2021

                                         DHCS has contracted with                                 (916) 551-2579
                                      Physicians for a Healthy California                   CalHealthCares.org
                                       to administer CalHealthCares.               CalHealthCares@phcdocs.org
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Selecting “Osteopathic license” will trigger the following window:

     Current Dental Student or Dental Resident
     Dentist applying to Loan Repayment Program

     Dentist applying for Practice Support Grant

    ➢ Current License Number: Applicants will be asked to provide their medical license information
      (letter followed by up to a six (6) digit number), osteopathic license number (up to a five (5) digit
      number), or dental license number (up to a six (6) digit number).
    ➢ NPI: Applicants must provide their ten (10) digit NPI.

Next, there is a language section. Applicant should click on “Add language.”

Page 24 of 83                                                                                      Rev. 01/18/2021

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                                      Physicians for a Healthy California                    CalHealthCares.org
                                       to administer CalHealthCares.                CalHealthCares@phcdocs.org
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

     Applies to all tracks

Applicant can select language(s) from the drop-down list. They should provide any languages spoken at
work in addition to English. These must be spoken directly to the patient without the use of
translator/interpreter services. Languages spoken at work will be verified through the Employer
Verification Form (EVF), so applicants should ensure the language they input in this section matches the
“additional language” section on the EVF. Upon selecting language, applicants should also provide the
corresponding percentage range for each language, as a ratio out of total time speaking all languages,
including English.

If option does not apply to applicant, they must select the option “None.” The field may not be left blank.

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