Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces More than $38 Million in New Student Loan Repayment Funding Available through MA Repay Program

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers (MLCHC) have launched the next rounds of the MA Repay program, making another $38 million available to support health care professionals serving critical populations, including MassHealth members and uninsured individuals.

Applications opened today for these next two rounds of the MA Repay Program: the MassHealth Behavioral Health Student Loan Repayment Program and the MassHealth Primary Care Student Loan Repayment Program. These initiatives are targeted to improve access to behavioral health care and primary care services by recruiting and retaining health care professionals in community-based settings.

"Massachusetts is taking significant steps to strengthen our health care workforce, investing an additional $38 million in our health and human services student loan repayment programs to help our primary care and behavioral health providers continue providing high-quality care to our communities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Together with our partners at the League, we're building a healthier future for Massachusetts residents."

“Our administration understands that to build a strong health care system, we need to support those who dedicate their careers to helping others. These programs represent a significant step forward in our efforts to attract and retain talented health care professionals, especially in underserved areas,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We are excited to see the positive impact these initiatives will have on both providers and the communities they serve.”

The MassHealth Behavioral Health Student Loan Repayment Program focuses on behavioral health professionals serving MassHealth and uninsured patients, offering student loan repayment of up to $300,000 for eligible psychiatrists and nurse practitioners with prescribing privileges, up to $50,000 for Master’s and Doctoral degree-level behavioral health professionals, and up to $30,000 for bachelor's degree-level behavioral health professionals. Participants must commit to four years of full-time service in a community-based setting, organization, or personal practice with a patient panel of at least 40 percent MassHealth members and/or uninsured patients.

The MassHealth Primary Care Student Loan Repayment Program is designed to support primary care providers serving MassHealth and uninsured patients and provides up to $100,000 for eligible primary care physicians and $50,000 for advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants. Participants must commit to four years of full-time service in a community-based organization with a patient panel of at least 40 percent MassHealth members and/or uninsured patients.

“The MA Repay loan repayment program is a crucial part of making health equity a reality in Massachusetts,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “By supporting health care professionals in underserved communities through this investment, we are breaking down barriers to quality care for people who live in Massachusetts.”

"By expanding student loan repayment programs, Massachusetts is reaffirming its commitment to health equity, ensuring that all communities—especially the historically underserved—have access to the care they deserve," said Assistant Secretary for MassHealth Mike Levine. “Together, we can create a healthier, more equitable future.”

Applicants who meet one or more of the following criteria will be prioritized to receive an award for both programs:

1. Applicant can communicate with patients and provide care in a language other than English, and that skill matches the needs of the site where the applicant works.
2. Applicant has demonstrated a commitment to providing clinical care to historically underserved patients.
3. Applicant resides in an Advancing Health Equity in Massachusetts (AHEM) town.
4. Applicant works in an Advancing Health Equity in Massachusetts (AHEM) town.

Building on initial successes of the MA Repay Program, these new initiatives deepen the impact of EOHHS’s ongoing efforts, which have distributed over $60 million in student loan repayment awards from both state and federal funding sources as of November 2024. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to enhance access to quality health care for underserved populations and underscore Massachusetts’ commitment to closing gaps in care by recruiting culturally competent health care professionals and addressing long-standing provider shortages.

“Our health care system is only as strong as the workforce supporting it,” said Michael Curry, President and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers. “Supporting our health care workforce in this way is a bold step towards ensuring we have providers in place to move the needle on health equity, support underserved communities, and create a lasting impact on the well-being of our most vulnerable populations. By reducing the financial burden on health care professionals, we’re not only investing in their future but also ensuring that communities across the state have access to the high-quality care they deserve.”

The application for these programs opens on November 14, 2024, and closes on December 12, 2024. Interested candidates can find more information and apply through the designated portal available at marepay.org. For more details, visit marepay.org or call 888-201-0583.

###