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.