Posted: | December 13, 2018 11:45 AM |
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From: | Representative William C. Kortz, II |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Physician Retention Loan Forgiveness |
The average physician graduates with nearly $200,000 in student loan debt, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. In addition to costly student loans, physicians practicing in Pennsylvania are subject to extremely high medical liability insurance rates; therefore, physicians are choosing to practice outside of our Commonwealth. Considering the need for primary health care and large amounts of physicians retiring in the next decade, it is imperative that we provide incentives to keep our physicians in Pennsylvania. That is why I am introducing legislation establishing the Physicians Retention Loan Forgiveness Program under PHEAA. Under this program, a full-time practicing physician could be reimbursed the entire loan amount if they agree to practice in the Commonwealth for at least 10 years and if they specialize in internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, or obstetrics and gynecology. Part-time physicians would also be able to receive assistance for agreeing to practice in the Commonwealth. Not only would this program relieve the heavy burden of student loans for hardworking physicians, but it would also ensure quality health care for Pennsylvania residents. Please join me in supporting our doctors and keeping our citizens healthy. Your consideration and co-sponsorship are appreciated. |
Introduced as HB1680