NW Tennessee News

Congressman David Kustoff and Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski have introduced the Rural America Health Corps Act in the House of Representatives. The bipartisan bill aims to establish a student loan repayment demonstration program for healthcare providers who commit to working in rural areas with shortages of primary, dental, or mental healthcare services for five years.

The proposed legislation directs the Department of Health and Human Services to cover one-fifth of the principal and interest on qualifying loans for eligible providers, with a cap of $200,000.

"Rural communities in West Tennessee and across the nation are facing increasing healthcare shortages," said Congressman Kustoff. "The Rural America Health Corps Act will help incentivize doctors, dentists, nurses, and other healthcare providers to plant roots in rural communities. All Americans should have access to the care they need, and I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation."

“Every American deserves access to high-quality health care — no matter where they live. But a shortage of healthcare professionals in rural communities continues to impact folks in Central and Southern Illinois,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’m proud to introduce the Rural America Health Corps Act to address this issue. This bipartisan legislation will help rural communities recruit and retain health professionals, a crucial step to improve access to care in underserved rural communities.”

Further details on the bill can be accessed through its full text.