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PRIMARY CARE LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAM FUNDS 47 DOCTORS AND NURSE PRACTIONERS IN ITS FIRST YEAR

THESE 47 PROVIDERS HAVE AGREED TO SERVE 2-3 YEARS AT A COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER IN MASSACHUSETTS…AND IN EXCHANGE…ERASE UP TO 75-THOUSAND DOLLARS IN STUDENT DEBT. THE PROGRAM WAS CREATED TO HELP MAKE SURE THERE ARE ENOUGH DOCTORS FOR HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF NEWLY INSURED RESIDENTS. JOAN PERNICE WITH THE MASSACHUSETTS LEAGUE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS SAYS LOAN FORGIVENESS IS A KEY RECRUITING INCENTIVE.

This loan repayment program can almost be a tipping point of really being that one thing that helps people make up their minds of working in community health centers.

TAKE JOSEPH PEPPE, THE ASSOCIATE MEDICAL DIRECTOR AT SOUTH BOSTON COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER. PEPPE SAYS THE LOAN ASSISTANCE MAKES IT EASIER FOR HIM TO IGNORE HIGHER PAYING JOBS.

There are other sites in Massachusetts and outside Massachusetts where physician reimbursement is higher and that would help with repaying loans whereas instead, the loan repayment program allows me to continue practicing where I enjoy practicing and want to continue practicing.

MOST OF THE FUNDING FOR THE PROGRAM COMES FROM BANK OF AMERICA AND THE STATE.

This program aired on May 12, 2008. The audio for this program is not available.

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