The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is offering two incentive programs providing up to $200,000 in student loan repayment for qualified medical care providers who agree to work in rural and under-served communities in state or in federally designated shortage areas
The goal is to recruit and retain medical providers in these areas. A recent economic impact of rural heath care study shows that one primary care physician in a rural community creates 23 jobs each year. Fourteen-percent of total employment in rural communities is contributed to the health care sector.
There are two programs, the Nebraska Loan Repayment Program and the National Health Service Corps Nebraska State Loan Repayment Program.
The NLRP offers loan repayment assistance for primary care, mental, dental, and certain allied health care professionals who agree to practice three years in a shortage area in Nebraska. Doctors and dentists are eligible for up to $180,000 in loan relief. Other medical professionals are eligible for up to $90,000. No local match is required at this time.
The National Service Health Service Corps Nebraska State Loan Repayment Program offers assistance to primary care, dental, and mental health professionals who agree to practice for two years in Nebraska. The length of participation is capped at four years and providers cannot apply for another award after that. RN’s, who have a bachelor’s level training, doctors, dentists, and pharmacists are eligible for up to $50,000 in loan relief a year. Other medical professions can receive up to $25,000 year. No match is required.
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