HEALR Program: What You Need to Know in 2026
Healthcare workforce shortages are real—and so is the financial strain of student loans. The HEALR Program provides a rare opportunity to do meaningful work in underserved communities and rewards providers who want to support patients in high-needs areas.
It aligns perfectly with the mission of the Caring Gene® Program: to attract, train, and retain compassionate professionals committed to serving others.
What is the HEALR Program?
The Health Care Access Loan Repayment (HEALR) Program is a New York State Medicaid workforce initiative under the 1115 Medicaid waiver—the same one funding workforce development via the Caring Gene® Program.
This program offers student loan repayment assistance to eligible healthcare professionals who agree to the following terms:
- Work for a healthcare, behavioral health, or social care provider in New York State that serves a patient population of at least 30% Medicaid and/or uninsured individuals, AND
- Complete a four-year service commitment at an eligible facility.
Who is eligible for loan repayment?
As of January 2026, HEALR loan repayment is available to:
- Dentists
- Nurse Practitioners
- Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Primary Care Physicians
- Psychiatrists
The New York State Department of Health makes all decisions on eligible titles.
Are there limits to how much assistance a person can receive?
Individual award amounts vary based on the title and availability of funding.
Already approved by the Caring Gene Program as an eligible service commitment site?
That means your facility is automatically qualified as a HEALR-approved setting, no extra paperwork required!
And for eligible staff working at approved facilities: You are one step closer to accessing loan repayment support.
What are the next steps?
Visit the HEALR Program website for the latest updates and application information.
To determine if you’re currently employed at an approved facility in our region, check out the approved employers page on our website.
And if your employer is not the list, or if you’re an employer interested in becoming an approved site, please email Alyse Buccina, provider partnership specialist, and she’ll help you get the attestation process started.
HEALR Program: Here’s the bottom line
The HEALR Program is more than financial relief. It’s a way to reward service, build stronger communities, and support the future of healthcare in New York State.