NY launches HEALR program offering up to $300K loan forgiveness for health care workers

New York (WRGB) — Governor Hochul has announced the launch of the Health Care Access Loan Repayment (HEALR) Program, a $48.3 million student loan repayment initiative aimed at expanding access to health care for Medicaid members and uninsured New Yorkers while strengthening the state’s health care workforce.

The new program will provide significant loan forgiveness incentives to health care professionals who commit to serving high-need and underserved communities, addressing workforce shortages that continue to limit access to care across the state.

Governor Hochul said,

Health care is a fundamental human right, and every New Yorker deserves access to high-quality affordable care. This program will expand health care access statewide while strengthening our workforce, ensuring our health care professionals are empowered to provide care to anyone in need, regardless of their income status.

The HEALR program will award loan repayment to providers who commit to a four-year, full-time service requirement serving populations where at least 30% of patients are Medicaid members and/or uninsured. Eligible providers may also qualify through organizations contracted with state-designated Social Care Networks that provide health-related social needs services.

Eligible health care professionals may receive:

Psychiatrists: up to $300,000Dentists and Primary Care Physicians: up to $100,000Nurse Practitioners and Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialists: up to $50,000

The initiative builds on New York’s broader workforce strategy under its federal 1115 waivers, including the Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program, which has already recruited nearly 12,000 participants through tuition and training support. Together, the HEALR and CPT programs represent a nearly $700 million investment in strengthening the state’s health care workforce and expanding access to care.

Applications for the HEALR program are now open, with two pathways:

Employer applications (for approved service sites) close March 31 at 11:59 p.m.Individual provider applications close April 15 at 11:59 p.m.

Awards are expected to be announced in late summer 2026.

Applications and full program details are available at health.ny.gov/HEALRProgram.

Health care professionals and organizations are encouraged to apply early, as awards are limited. Questions about the program can be directed to HEALR@health.ny.gov.