State Announces Healthcare Access Loan Repayment Program
(Nov. 25, 2025) The NYS Department of Health (DOH) Office of Health Insurance Programs (OHIP) announced that applications are now open for the Healthcare Access Loan Repayment (HEALR) Program, a $48.3 million Medicaid workforce initiative authorized under NY's 1115 Demonstration Waiver aimed at strengthening the capacity of NY's health care workforce and assisting health care professionals in high-need roles with their student debt.
Health care providers who are awarded loan repayment through the program must make a four-year, full-time commitment to maintaining a personal practice panel or working at an organization that serves at least 30% Medicaid members and/or uninsured individuals. Organizations that are contracted with a State-designated Social Care Network and providing health-related social needs screening, referrals, and/or services also qualify. Maximum loan repayment awards for each title are as follows:
- Psychiatrists – Up to $300,000 per awardee
- Dentists and Primary Care Physicians – Up to $100,000 per awardee
- Nurse Practitioners and Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialists – Up to $50,000 per awardee
There are two application pathways: individual providers may apply on their own, or employers that have been approved as service commitment sites may initiate up to five applications on behalf of their staff. Individual and employer applications can be accessed on the DOH HEALR Program webpage.
Employer applications are due at 11:59 p.m. on Sat., Jan. 31, 2026, and individual applications are due at 11:59 p.m. on Sun., Feb. 15, 2026. Awards will be announced in late spring 2026. Further details regarding the award decision process, including anticipated timelines and subsequent steps, will be communicated to applicants following the close of the application period. Awards are limited; those interested in participating in the program are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.
OHIP will host an informational webinar on Thurs., Dec. 18, 2025 for individuals and employers interested in participating in the HEALR Program. Webinar registration information, applications, additional program details, and eligibility requirements are available on the DOH HEALR Program webpage. Please email HEALR@health.ny.gov with any questions about the HEALR Program.
Contact: Meg Everett, meverett@leadingageny.org