The New York State (NYS) Department of Health Office of Health Insurance Programs (OHIP) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Healthcare Access Loan Repayment (HEALR) program, a $48.3 million Medicaid workforce initiative authorized under New York’s 1115 Demonstration Waiver aimed at strengthening the capacity of New York’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 percent 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

With just a four-year commitment to serve New York’s Medicaid and uninsured populations, you can ease your debt burden and help improve health care for New Yorkers!

There are two applications 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 NYS Department of Health “Healthcare Access Loan Repayment (HEALR) Program” web page.

Applications for the HEALR program are open now. Employer applications are due at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, and individual applications are due at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, February 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 Thursday, December 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 NYS Department of Health “Healthcare Access Loan Repayment (HEALR) Program” web page. Please email HEALR@health.ny.gov with any questions about the HEALR program.

Whether you are a health care provider, employer, advocate, or community leader, your involvement can have a significant impact and help to maximize the HEALR program’s reach. We encourage you to share this opportunity with your network to help us spread the word. Thank you for your continued commitment to our health care workforce. Together, we can make a difference!