CLYBURN HAILS HHS STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM

Provides up to $60,000 in exchange for two years of service in underserved communities
WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC) today released the following statement after Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced a new application cycle for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) that includes $290 million from the Affordable Care Act. Rep. Clyburn fought for the program’s inclusion in the health care reform legislation, which repays up to $60,000 of student loans for primary care medical, dental and mental health clinicians in exchange for a two-year commitment to serve underprivileged communities which often lack access to primary health care services. For more information on the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, visit: http://nhsc.hrsa.gov/

“Many of our underserved communities do not have access to basic health care physicians who can diagnose and treat common ailments that prevent unnecessary trips to the emergency room and drive up health care costs. I wholeheartedly believe that by helping students repay their loans and requiring a two-year commitment to serve in these communities, those most in need will get the care they deserve and our health care costs will decrease in the long-term. I was proud to fight for this program’s inclusion in the health care reform legislation President Obama signed into law, and I commend Secretary Sebelius for making this funding available quickly.”