Some areas of the country are extremely under-served and require special programs in order to attract qualified candidates for certain public service careers. Similar to how Americorps helps teachers pay back student loans if they teach in an under-served community, a loan repayment program also exists for health care workers.
The National Health Service Corp covers up to $60,000 in student loan debt for those who serve two years in under-served communities.
Administrator Mary Wakefield says there are already many medical care workers at community health centers.
“The NHSC sites are located in some of the most geographically isolated and economically distressed areas of the country,” says Wakefield. “The health care professionals who answer this call to serve in the NHSC will join thousands of dedicated primary care clinicians who bring quality health care to under-served communities and vulnerable populations.”
Many patients who are seen in community health centers do not have health insurance and wouldn’t be able to see a health care provider otherwise. Some people find themselves in a situation where they make too much for government assistance programs but not enough to cover private health care costs.
