physician loan repayment

State Loan Repayment Programs

Increasing access to primary care for underserved communities and populations is the goal of the Primary Care Section. To assist in this endeavor, the Primary Care Section administers loan repayment programs designed to recruit or retain primary care, mental health and dental practitioners in underserved areas. In exchange for loan repayment assistance, the clinicians commit to a minimum of two years of practice at an eligible site in a Health Professional Shortage Area or Health Resource Shortage Area. Funding is obtained through a combination of physician licensure fees, a federal grant and the Health Priorities Trust Fund. These sources provide up to $20,000 per year to participants for repayment of outstanding health professions training debt.

Participating clinicians must practice full time for a minimum of two years in an underserved area, and must agree to accept patients regardless of ability to pay. Third- and fourth-year contracts are available if eligibility is maintained. Decisions about loan repayment contract awards are made following an advisory board meeting in the spring. Those approved for loan repayment receive contract offers in the summer. Additional awards may be given throughout the year, depending on funding. Contact the program at the e-mail address provided below for details.

Clinician Eligibility

The following primary care disciplines and specialties are eligible:

· Physicians: Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology

· Mid-level: Advanced Practice Nurses (family or women’s health), Certified Nurse Midwives, Physician Assistants

Eligible mental health disciplines include:

· Physicians: General Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

· Licensed Independent Social Workers

· Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors

· Clinical Psychologists/Health Service Psychologists

· Psychiatric Nurse Specialists/Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

· Marriage and Family Therapists

Eligible dental disciplines include:

· Dentists: General Practice or Pediatric

· Dental Hygienists

In addition to the loan repayment programs administered by the Primary Care Section, the Oral Health Program within the Ohio Department of Health administers the Ohio Dentist Loan Repayment Program. To learn more about this program, visit:

http://www.odh.ohio.gov/odhPrograms/ohs/oral/dshort/loanpgm.aspx

Applicants must either be in current practice or in the final year of training at the time of application. If applicants have existing obligations to a government or other entity, the obligations must be met prior to beginning a loan repayment contract. In addition, the clinicians must work full time, defined as 40 hours per week, at an approved practice site.

Practice Site Eligibility

Sites must be located in a Health Professional Shortage Area or Health Resource Shortage Area. Services must be provided to all patients, regardless of ability to pay. In addition, sites are required to:

· Accept Medicaid

· Accept assignment for Medicare

· Provide culturally appropriate care

· Post appropriate signage indicating care is available to all

For more details about eligibility and program benefits, select Application Instructions, below.

Application

Jan. 15 is the annual due date for applications. All applications must be postmarked by that date. Faxed applications will not be considered.

In addition to the application available below, required documents include:

· Two W-9s

· CV or resume

· Copy of Ohio Medical License

· Practice site’s sliding fee scale, if applicable

· Copies of current loan balance statements

Ohio Physician Loan Repayment Program (OPLRP) Application

Application Instructions

Applications should be mailed to:

Ohio Loan Repayment Programs

Primary Care and Rural Health Programs

Ohio Department of Health

246 North High Street

Columbus, Ohio 43215

Telephone: (614) 644-8496

E-mail: bchssd@odh.ohio.gov

Last Updated: 7/15/08
Last Reviewed: 7/15/08