The New York State (NYS) Office of Health Insurance Programs has extended the application deadline for the Health Care Access Loan Repayment (HEALR) program.  This extension is intended to ensure a robust applicant pool across eligible titles and the state, to make it easier for residents and fellows completing their programs in June 2026 to apply, and to allow more time for individuals and employers to submit their application materials.  Applications submitted by employers are now due on March 31, 2026, by 11:59 p.m., and individual applications are due on April 15, 2026, by 11:59 p.m.  Awards will be announced in summer 2026.  Employers must be approved as service commitment sites before submitting applications and may submit up to five applications on behalf of their employees.  Individual and employer applications can be accessed on the NYS Department of Health “Health Care Access Loan Repayment (HEALR) Program” web page.  Awards are limited; those interested in participating in the program are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.  The HEALR program will provide significant financial incentives to health care professionals who commit to serving high-need populations, addressing critical workforce shortages while reducing barriers to essential health services in underserved communities.  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 NYS 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)

Please share this opportunity and the attached flyers with your network to help amplify awareness of the HEALR program.  Questions or inquiries about the HEALR program may be directed to HEALR@health.ny.gov or via the NYS Department of Health “Health Care Access Loan Repayment (HEALR) Program” web page.