By Bob Katzen

The Healey Administration will be distributing an additional $75.8 million in student loan repayment awards to more than 1,700 behavioral health and primary care providers throughout the state as part of the MA Repay Program. Recipients include primary care physicians, family nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, inpatient mental health workers, substance use disorder treatment professionals and school-based mental health providers.

The MA Repay Program is designed to help address the critical shortage of health care professionals in the Bay State. By offering significant financial relief in the form of student loan repayment, the program incentivizes primary care and behavioral health providers, to remain in the field and continue their work in underserved areas across the state. In exchange for a service commitment of four to five years, eligible professionals can receive loan repayment awards ranging from $12,500 to $300,000.

“This is a major investment in Massachusetts’ health care workforce,” said Gov. Healey. “By helping to reduce student debt for our dedicated professionals, we are ensuring that we have a strong, diverse and skilled workforce ready to provide quality care for Massachusetts residents.”

“By investing in our behavioral health and primary care providers, we are investing in the health and well-being of communities across Massachusetts,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “This program will help ensure that residents receive the care they need, when they need it, and that our incredible health care professionals can succeed in the field they love.”