Governor Rell: Health Care Professionals

Can Benefit from Loan Repayment Program

Incentives of $230,000 Available for Primary Care Practitioners

In Connecticut’s Underserved and Rural Areas

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that doctors, nurses and dentists who agree to practice in the state’s underserved and rural areas may be eligible for repayment of their student loans.

            “Every Connecticut resident deserves access to high-quality health care,” Governor Rell said. “That is why I created my Charter Oak Health Plan and that is why incentive programs such as these are essential to improving the quality of life for all our citizens.”

            The Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP), administered through the state Department of Public Health, was developed through a state-federal partnership. The program currently has $230,000 available for loan repayments. Eligible practitioners can receive up to $30,000 for two consecutive years of service in a federally designated underserved area.

            Approximately 1-in-4 Connecticut residents, or nearly 800,000 people, live in health professional shortage areas, defined by the federal government as areas with less than one physician for every 3,500 residents. The state has 95 such designations in all or part of 31 towns across Connecticut’s eight counties.

            “This initiative strengthens the health care work force at the primary care level and is cost effective,” said Public Health Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin. “Prevention and early treatment result in better health and reduces expensive trips to the emergency room.”

            Program participants typically work for Community Health Centers and other eligible primary care sites in the state. Community Health Centers provide comprehensive primary care services in areas federally designated as underserved.

            Clinicians can apply through the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). Physicians may apply independently, through group practices or with a health care provider. Hospitals and other health care organizations located in professional shortage areas may also apply to fill needed positions in their facility or community.

            For more information on the State Loan Repayment Program, please visit the DPH Web site at https://www.ct.gov/dph/. Click on “Programs and Services,” then “Loan Repayment Program.”