Press Release: 3/31/2025

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards an Additional $76 Million in Student Loan Repayment for Behavioral Health and Primary Care Providers

 



MA Repay Program has invested more than $245 million so far to support health care professionals across Massachusetts and address workforce shortages in critical fields 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



3/28/2025



MEDIA CONTACT



Karissa Hand, Press Secretary



 Phone



Call Karissa Hand, Press Secretary at 617-725-4025



BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration is distributing an additional $75.8 million in student loan repayment awards as part of the MA Repay Program. Funding is going to more than 1,700 behavioral health and primary care providers throughout the state, including primary care physicians, family nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, social workers, therapeutic mentors, inpatient mental health workers, substance use disorder treatment professionals, behavioral health providers working in justice involved settings, and school based mental health providers.



Since 2023, the MA Repay program has awarded more than $245 million in funding to over 5,500 healthcare professionals across the state. 



“This is a major investment in Massachusetts’ health care workforce,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By helping to reduce student debt for our dedicated professionals, we are ensuring that we have a strong, diverse and skilled workforce ready to provide quality care for Massachusetts residents.”



“By investing in our behavioral health and primary care providers, we are investing in the health and well-being of communities across Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.“This program will help ensure that residents receive the care they need, when they need it, and that our incredible health care professionals can succeed in the field they love.”



MA Repay, implemented by the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers (Mass League), accepted applications for four new programs between August 28, 2024, and September 25, 2024. Through a single application, applicants were reviewed for eligibility within one of the following categories:





The MA Repay Program is designed to help address the critical shortage of health care professionals in Massachusetts. By offering significant financial relief in the form of student loan repayment, the program incentivizes primary care and behavioral health providers including those working in substance use treatment, to remain in the field and continue their work in historically underserved areas across the state. In exchange for a service commitment of 4-5 years, eligible professionals can receive loan repayment awards ranging from $12,500 to $300,000. Funding supports professionals in a wide variety of health care settings, including community health centers, psychiatric hospitals, substance use treatment programs, schools, and justice-involved settings, ensuring better access to care across Massachusetts.



 “Health care workers been under enormous strain in recent years. Our administration is committed to supporting our care providers and addressing workforce challenges head on,” saidHealth and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “People who choose these careers dedicate their professional lives to serving others. Our goal with this program is not only to support the care providers who are already serving our communities in these critical roles, but to attract other compassionate and dedicated people to work in Massachusetts’ community health centers, substance use treatment programs, schools and other settings.” 



“This funding is crucial to addressing workforce shortages and ensuring that all MassHealth members have access to the care they need,” said Assistant Secretary for MassHealth Mike Levine. “The MA Repay Program helps retain and support the dedicated providers who are vital to the health of our communities.”



“We are proud to partner with the Healey-Driscoll Administration to provide financial relief and support for the behavioral health and primary care professionals providing high-quality care across Massachusetts" said Michael Curry, Esq., President and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers. “Through programs designed to support the behavioral health, primary care, and substance use disorder treatment workforce, we are making progress in the effort to recruit and retain providers in communities where they are needed most."