Assemblyman Bill Magee (D-Nelson) announced he authored legislation to create a pilot program that offers student loan forgiveness to doctors and other medical professionals who choose to work in underserved rural areas (A.7428).
“We’re facing a critical shortage of doctors in rural communities,” said Magee. “Residents in my district are often forced to drive long distances to seek care, putting undue burdens on patients and their families. This can be dangerous – especially when immediate medical attention is needed. The program would help rural areas get the care they deserve.”
Faced with mounting student loan debt, many doctors opt to live in cities and suburbs where they can earn more money than in rural areas. This poses a serious problem for many rural residents who are already facing higher rates of mortality, disability and chronic disease compared to urban and suburban areas.
The state Education Department reports that there is a shortage of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Cooperstown and northern Otsego County. As well, there is a shortage of PCPs for low-income and Medicaid-eligible patients in the area around Hamilton in southern Madison County and portions of southern Otsego County. Madison and Otsego counties are also in dire need of specialists.1
Magee’s bill authorizes the commissioner of the New York State Department of Health to create the Medical Professionals Across Rural New York State Loan Repayment Fund Pilot Program. Participants would spend two years practicing in eligible areas to qualify for the program.