Health Care Access Loan Repayment (HEALR) Program Guide

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New York State
Department of Health
Healthcare Access Loan Repayment (HEALR)
Program Guide Version 2

CONTENTS


1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 DOCUMENT SCOPE, PURPOSE, AND USE

This document is designed as a central source of information for the Health Care Access Loan Repayment (HEALR) Program administered by the New York State (NYS) Department of Health Office of Health Insurance Programs (OHIP), and provides a detailed overview of the HEALR program, step-by-step instructions about applicant eligibility requirements, the application process, and guidance for individuals selected to receive an award. This guide will be updated throughout the duration of the program with clarifications and additional information as needed.

Additional program resources, including the application, are available on the NYS Department of Health "Healthcare Access Loan Repayment (HEALR) Program" web page, located at HEALR Program website, located at: Healthcare Access Loan Repayment (HEALR) Program

Questions that have not been answered in this document or in the companion Healthcare Access Loan Repayment (HEALR) Program Frequently Asked Questions document, located at: FAQ Document should be directed to healr@health.ny.gov.


2. PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The HEALR program is a workforce initiative authorized under New York's 1115 Medicaid Waiver Demonstration and administered by OHIP. The HEALR program directly aligns with the goals of New York's 1115 Waiver which aims to improve NYS Medicaid services by enhancing access, quality, and cost-effectiveness of health care for vulnerable populations. The 1115 waiver is effective through March 2027. The HEALR program aims to improve access to high-quality services for NYS Medicaid members by attracting and retaining providers in critical, high-demand roles through NYS.

The HEALR program will provide student loan repayment for qualifying health care providers who make a commitment to complete four years of employment at a NYS Medicaid-enrolled provider where at least 30 percent of the patient panel are Medicaid members and/or uninsured individuals OR that is contracted with a state-designated Social Care Network (SCN) and providing health-related social needs (HRSNs) screening, referrals, and/or services.

Under the HEALR program, loan payments will be made directly to the loan servicer on behalf of the awardee. Qualifying provider types and their associated award amount thresholds are listed below:

Eligible Positions Qualifying Degree(s) Maximum Award
Psychiatrists Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) Up to $300,000 per awardee
Primary Care Physicians Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) Up to $100,000 per awardee
Dentists Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Up to $100,000 per awardee
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Up to $50,000 per awardee
Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialists Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Up to $50,000 per awardee

Please note: The amounts listed above are maximum thresholds. Final awards will be calculated based on the applicant's total eligible outstanding student loan debt.

Definitions for the above eligible positions are listed in the Glossary of Terms section at the end of this Program Guide.