HRSA's Bureau of Health Workforce funds the National Health Service Corps' (NHSC) State Loan Repayment Program (LRP) through a grant.
The State LRP provides cost-sharing grants to states and territories. They use these funds to operate their own loan repayment programs.
These programs offer loan repayment to primary medical, mental/behavioral, and dental health care clinicians. They must be working in Health Professional Shortage Areas.
Some elements may differ by state or territory, including:
- Eligible disciplines
- Practice sites
- Length of required service commitment
- The amount of loan repayment awards offered
The State LRP complements other NHSC loan repayment programs. It allows states and territories to design their own loan repayment programs. These programs address their residents' most pressing health care needs. The programs also increase the number of primary care clinicians serving in high-need areas.
How do states and territories qualify?
You must meet three requirements to be eligible for the State LRP:
Location
Your entity falls in one of the 50 states, or in:
- Washington, D.C.
- Puerto Rico
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Guam
- American Samoa
- Palau
- Marshall Islands
- Northern Mariana Islands
Matching funds
There is no cost-sharing requirement for this cycle. States won't need to show a dollar-for-dollar match for the federal funding they receive through the grant.
Federal funds that support State LRP funds are exempt from federal income and employment taxes.
What types of funds can be used to match?
You may use funds from:
- Other state education loan repayment programs
- Donations from eligible service sites, private foundations, or community organizations
The State LRP allows you to expand your loan repayment programs without additional state costs.
Your state/territory cannot:
- Make State LRP awards to people already obligated under the state program unless they complete their state obligation before their State LRP service begins
- Operate on terms that are more favorable than what the NHSC Loan Repayment Program (LRP) provides
- There are many ways to make your State LRP stand out from the NHSC LRP through the:
- Eligible disciplines you fund
- Practice sites where program participants may serve
- Length of the service commitment your program requires
Grant management
A state agency must manage the State LRP grant.
Use of federal funds
The state agency must use federal funds received through the State LRP to make loan repayment awards.
Who determines award amounts for clinicians?
The State LRP grantees determine the annual award amount for each clinician receiving loan repayment.
However, clinicians cannot receive more than the total amount of their outstanding school debt.
The maximum award amount per clinician is $50,000 for a two-year full-time service commitment. If you want to make awards above $50,000 for a two-year full-time service commitment, you are responsible for non-federal funds in excess of the maximum award amount per clinician.
Can states and territories renew awards?
You may renew a clinician’s award in exchange for additional years of service. However, it does depend on your state program and its available funding.
How do I apply for the State LRP?
Before you apply for a HRSA grant, you must:
How can I contact you?
Email: Paula Gumbs
Call: (301) 443-7581