The rising cost of medical education and the growing shortage of health professionals have become two major challenges across the United States. To address both issues at once, the New York Health Care Access Loan Repayment (HEALR) Program has been launched as a large-scale initiative to attract and retain health care workers in communities that need them most.
Under this program, eligible professionals can receive up to $300,000 in student loan forgiveness in exchange for committing to serve Medicaid members and uninsured populations in New York State. This makes HEALR one of the most generous state-level loan repayment programs currently available.
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What Is the NY HEALR Program?
The HEALR Program is a workforce support initiative created by the State of New York to strengthen access to health care services, especially in areas facing provider shortages.
The program focuses on two main objectives. First, it reduces the financial burden of student loans for qualified health care professionals. Second, it ensures that vulnerable populations, including Medicaid recipients and uninsured individuals, have better access to consistent medical and mental health services.
Unlike short-term relief programs, HEALR is designed as a long-term service-based commitment. Participants must agree to work in qualifying settings for a fixed period in order to receive loan repayment benefits.
NEWS: @GovKathyHochul has launched the Health Care Access Loan Repayment (HEALR) program. This student loan repayment initiative aims to expand the workforce in high-need communities and improve access for Medicaid members and uninsured NYers. @HealthNYGovhttps://t.co/hTyYY9FHI8
— NYS OCFS (@NYSOCFS) January 28, 2026
Why This Program Was Introduced
New York has identified critical shortages in several medical fields, particularly mental health and primary care. Rural areas and low-income urban communities often struggle to recruit and retain skilled professionals.
At the same time, many newly trained doctors, nurses, and specialists graduate with six-figure student debt. This financial pressure pushes them toward higher-paying private practices instead of public or community-based care.
The HEALR Program aims to rebalance this trend by making service in high-need areas financially sustainable and professionally attractive.
Maximum Loan Forgiveness Amounts
The loan repayment benefit depends on the applicant’s profession and area of practice. The highest support is reserved for fields facing the most severe shortages.
Psychiatrists are eligible for up to $300,000 in student loan forgiveness. This reflects the urgent demand for mental health services across New York.
Primary care physicians and dentists can receive up to $100,000 in loan repayment assistance.
Nurse practitioners and pediatric clinical nurse specialists may qualify for up to $50,000.
These amounts are paid toward eligible educational loans over the service commitment period rather than as a single upfront payment.
Who Can Apply for the HEALR Program
To qualify, applicants must be licensed health care professionals working in New York State. They must also be employed by or operate within settings that primarily serve Medicaid members or uninsured patients.
A key eligibility requirement is that at least 30 percent of the patient population at the practice site must consist of Medicaid recipients or uninsured individuals.
Both individual providers and organizations can participate, provided they meet program guidelines and agree to the service conditions.
Service Commitment Requirement
Participants must commit to four years of full-time service in an approved practice setting.
This requirement ensures that communities benefit from sustained access to care rather than temporary staffing solutions. It also provides stability for health facilities that often experience high turnover.
Failure to complete the service period may result in the obligation to repay awarded funds, making the commitment a serious and binding agreement.
How the Program Is Funded
The HEALR Program is funded through New York’s Medicaid reform efforts, specifically under a federal waiver that allows the state to invest in workforce development.
This funding structure connects health care delivery directly with social and economic outcomes. By strengthening the workforce, the state expects to reduce long-term health costs and improve population health indicators.
How and When Applications Are Submitted
Applications are typically opened during designated annual windows. Health care providers can apply either individually or through their employer, depending on the category of participation.
Applicants must provide proof of licensure, employment in an eligible setting, and qualifying student loan debt. Awards are announced after applications are reviewed and approved by state authorities.
Because funding is limited, early and complete applications have a higher chance of success.
Important Update: Application Deadlines Extended
The HEALR application deadline has been extended. This extension is meant to ensure a robust applicant pool across eligible titles and the state, to make it easier for residents and fellows completing their programs in June 2026 to apply, and to allow more time for individuals and employers to submit their application materials. Employer applications will close at 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2026 and individual applications will close at 11:59 p.m. on April 15, 2026.
Awards are expected to be announced summer 2026.
Why This Program Matters for Health Care Workers
For many professionals, student loan debt delays major life decisions such as buying a home, starting a family, or opening a private practice. The HEALR Program directly reduces that burden while allowing providers to build experience in meaningful community-based care.
It also offers career stability. A four-year service commitment provides predictable employment and a clear financial benefit tied to long-term professional contribution.
In practical terms, this program can change the career path of young doctors and nurses who might otherwise avoid underserved areas.
Impact on Communities and Patients
The long-term impact of the HEALR Program goes beyond financial relief for professionals. It increases the number of available providers in neighborhoods that struggle with access to care.
Patients benefit from shorter wait times, improved continuity of treatment, and stronger relationships with local health care teams. Mental health services, in particular, are expected to see noticeable improvements due to the high incentives offered to psychiatrists.