IHS loan repayment program is a type of government loan that is provided for the purpose of securing qualified health professionals in order to fulfill the staffing requirements of the Indian Health Service for Indian health programs. This is an education loan and application for this type of loan is accepted on a continuing basis. The health professionals in order to take this loan need to sign contractual agreements for at least 2 years with the secretary. After getting this loan repayment program facility, one has to successfully complete the terms mentioned in the agreement by doing clinical practice on full time basis at an Indian Health Service facility or an Indian health program which is approved.
Any health professional is eligible for IHS loan repayment program, but over the years it has been pointed out that doctors and nurses are given preference over other health professionals. However, there are certain eligibility requirements that are clearly stated in the Section 108 (b) of the loan settlement program. According to the eligibility criteria of this government loan, one has to be enrolled in a health training program or a licensed graduate training program. One must hold or eligible to be appointed as a commissioned officer in the PHS or Public Health Service, qualify and meet all professional requirements for civil service and other criteria. This education loan is available all over the country, so it doesn't matter where you are, if you are a health professional and want to contribute in Indian health service medical practice, you can apply for this loan repayment program.
The IHS loan repayment program repays all or a portion of the educational loan taken by an eligible health professional, which comprises living expenses and tuition expenses. This government loan provides applicants to repay their health education loans during the term of their service on a yearly basis. The amount of repayment that a candidate can repay cannot exceed $20,000 per year. Moreover, this program also pays 20 to 39% of the Federal taxes to the IRS or the Internal Revenue Service directly. The estimated budget of the entire loan repayment program is around $17,488,854. The application procedure starts every year from the month of January and lasts till all the funds of the program is exhausted for the fiscal year. Health professionals can apply for this loan repayment program either by calling or writing to the LRP Office.
