Rural Health and Primary Care Programs
- Loan Repayment and Loan Forgiveness Programs
- Underserved Designations
- J-1 Visa Waivers
- National Health Service Corps
- Rural Hospital Flexibility Program
Loan Repayment and Loan Forgiveness Programs
Loan repayment and loan forgiveness programs were established by the Vermont General Assembly to help ensure a stable and adequate supply of health care professionals to meet the health care needs of Vermonters. Primary care loan repayment programs have been funded by the state since 1995.
The loan repayment program includes support for primary care physicians, primary care non-physician providers such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants and dentists. In 2000 the state funded a nursing loan repayment program as well as a nursing loan forgiveness program.
State loan repayment programs are administered by the Vermont Area Health Education Center Program (AHEC) and the loan forgiveness program will be administered by Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC).
Underserved Designations
The Office of Rural Health and Primary Care oversees the designation process for underserved areas and populations within Vermont. These designations allow health care providers and organizations to take advantage of different state and federal programs to help improve the health of their communities.
J-1 Visa Waivers
A limited number of J-1 Visa waivers are granted to non-resident physicians who agree to work in an underserved area of Vermont for a period of three years.
National Health Service Corps
Loan repayment and scholarships are among the benefits of participating in the National Health Service Corps. For students and providers interested in working in underserved areas, the NHSC can provide various types of support.
Rural Hospital Flexibility Program
The Rural Hospital Flexibility Program is a federal initiative that provides funding to state governments to strengthen rural health.
In general the program has five goals:
- developing state rural health plans
- designating Critical Access Hospitals
- developing rural health networks
- improving emergency medical services (EMS)
- enhancing quality of care