Loan Repayment
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania offers qualified applicants the opportunity to pay off a substantial amount of their student loans through the Primary Healthcare Loan Repayment Program. By applying for the program, primary healthcare practitioners provide the basis for access to the health care system for most people. This fundamental role makes it especially important to continually assess and assure both a sufficient supply of primary care practitioners and an appropriate level of access to primary care, regardless of the ability to pay for services.
What it Means
The Department of Health provides loan repayment opportunities as an incentive to recruit and to retain primary care practitioners willing to serve underserved Pennsylvania residents and to make a commitment to practicing in federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). HPSAs are defined service areas that demonstrate a critical shortage of primary care physicians, dentists or mental health providers. An HPSA can be:
a district geographic area (such as a county or grouping or census tracts, townships or boroughs)
a specific population group within a defined geographic area (such as the population under 200 percent of the poverty level)
a specific public or non-profit facility (such as a prison).
Eligible providers include general dentists and registered dental hygienists. In return for a two-year contract, dentists are eligible to receive up to $100,000 in loan repayment for full-time and up to $50,000 for part-time. Other practitioners are eligible to receive up to $60,000 for full-time and up to $30,000 for part-time.
To find a shortage area, please visit the HPSA Search.
Commit to a two-year contract with the program.
Be employed at a primary care practice site approved by the Dept. of Health which serves the underserved and provides services to all without regard for the ability to pay.
Be a graduate of an accredited educational program in the U.S.
Maintain a valid Pennsylvania license/certification.
Submit a complete application to the Dept. of Health.
Be approved by the department for participation.
Program Eligibility
Primary Health Care Practitioner Loan Repayment Program
Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Health Planning
Division of Health Professions Development
Health &Welfare Building, Room 1033
625 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0701
(717) 772-5298
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