DOH Primary Care Loan Repayment Program Includes SUD, BH Professionals

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has opened a new application period for the Primary Care Practitioner Loan Repayment Program. The program supports health care professionals, including those providing substance use disorder (SUD) and behavioral health (BH) services, who serve in underserved communities across Pennsylvania through loan repayment assistance to eligible providers in exchange for a two-year service commitment at an approved site. Its primary purpose is to increase access to care in underserved areas by supporting and retaining the workforce.

The program is open to a range of licensed providers, including:

Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners/physician assistants;
Licensed behavioral health professionals (LCSWs, LPCs, LMFTs, psychologists); and
Primary care providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives).

To be eligible, applicants must:

Be licensed to practice in Pennsylvania;
Work at an approved site serving at least 30 percent low-income patients or located in a Health Professional Shortage Area; and
Commit to two years of full-time or half-time service.

Eligible practice sites may include community-based settings such as community behavioral health clinics; outpatient SUD and BH treatment providers; and federally qualified health centers and similar settings. Benefits include:

Loan repayment assistance to reduce education-related debt;
An opportunity to provide care in high-need communities; and
Up to $80,000 (full-time) or $40,000 (half-time) for physicians, dentists, and psychologists, OR up to $48,000 (full-time) or $24,000 (half-time) for other eligible providers.

The application process closes Friday, May 4, and applications must be submitted online. More information is available online. Email DOH with questions.

< Previous Post

Next Post >

ODP Updates the MAAC on Paid Relative Caregiving & Travel Limitations

By Tim Sohosky • May 29, 2026

On Thursday, May 28, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) provided an update to the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) regarding current policies and upcoming regulatory changes following a recent Commonwealth Court decision. On February 17, 2026, the PA Commonwealth Court issued a decision in Dunkelberger v. Department of Human Services that determined that ODP’s limitations on provider model services (specifically the 40/60-hour caps and 90-day travel maximums) were null and void. The decision was based on process rather than policy validity; the Court found that these limitations were not properly promulgated as regulations in accordance with the Commonwealth Documents Law and Regulatory Review Act. To maintain a balanced approach between flexibility and oversight, ODP is moving forward with the following actions: Regulatory Amendments: ODP will amend regulations to establish formal authority for setting service delivery limits that support individual welfare and program integrity. Self-Directed Model Agreements: ODP has already modified agreements for self-directed models to clarify limits on overtime, combined relative service provision, and travel restrictions. Travel Restrictions: Due to the inability to monitor services effectively over long distances, service provision will now be limited to Pennsylvania and contiguous states. Waiver Changes: ODP will seek modifications through the amendment process to the Consolidated, P/FDS, Community Living, and Adult Autism Waivers to include: New requirements for agencies providing IHCS and Companion services to disclose a DSP's relationship to participants; and Strengthened programmatic oversight and integrity measures. Life Sharing Alternative: For participants requiring more than 60 hours of paid care from a relative, the Life Sharing (24/7) service model remains the recommended alternative. ODP anticipates a public comment period for these proposed waiver changes beginning in January 2027.

Two men with intellectual disabilities working happily on a tablet.

Shapiro Administration's Strategic Investments in ID/A Community Lead to Highest Number of Pennsylvanians Ever Served in HCBS

By Tim Sohosky • May 28, 2026

Press Release from DHS : Published May 27, 2026

ODP Provides Updates to PBC 2026/27 Residential Pay-for-Performance

By Cathy Barrick • May 28, 2026

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 26-039 . The purpose of this communication is to provide updated details about the Residential Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) Pay-for-Performance (P4P) initiatives for Fiscal Year 2026/27. Updates are provided in red . Please review the announcement for more details. Visit here to access the Pay for Performance (P4P): Residential Rural Capacity Expansion Plan template .