Bill > H2205

This bill expands loan repayment assistance for primary care physicians by establishing eligibility criteria for a state-funded loan forgiveness program. The bill defines primary care physicians broadly to include family physicians, internal medicine physicians, pediatricians, and obstetricians/gynecologists. To qualify for loan assistance, physicians must work in a practice setting with a significant public payor patient population (as determined by the department of public health), have outstanding educational debt, not participate in any other loan repayment program, and commit to a contract with the Commonwealth for at least 4 years. The bill also stipulates that loan assistance amounts will be pro-rated for physicians working part-time. Additionally, the executive office of health and human services is required to develop implementing regulations within 3 months of the act's effective date. The goal appears to be addressing healthcare workforce needs by providing financial incentives for primary care physicians to work in settings serving public insurance populations, potentially improving access to healthcare in underserved areas.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2205