PROVIDENCE, RI — On Feb 26th, Governor Dan McKee, Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) Director Dr. Jerome Larkin, and health care workers at Blackstone Valley Community Health Care in Pawtucket highlighted the importance of additional investments in the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program, as included in Governor McKee’s FY26 budget proposal. This represents the first time that general revenue would be invested in the program since Fiscal Year 2008.

The Health Professional Loan Repayment Program would receive an investment of $400,000—$200,000 in general revenue and $200,000 in federal matching funds—for loan repayment assistance for primary care providers and pediatricians. As part of the program, those professionals commit to practicing in federally designated health professional shortage areas within Rhode Island for at least two years.

“Rhode Island is focused on innovative strategies to increase our state’s health and well-being—a crucial pillar of our RI 2030 plan,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Easing the financial burden and creating a path for talented health professionals to work in Rhode Island are wins for our health care community and all Rhode Islanders.” 

“The Health Professional Loan Repayment Program helps defray the cost of medical education, making the pathway to a career in primary care in Rhode Island more affordable for more students and new healthcare professionals,” said RIDOH Director Dr. Jerome Larkin. “It also helps ensure that all communities have the opportunity to benefit from some of the most talented, dedicated members of our health care workforce.”

“Primary care, including pediatric providers, is critical to ensuring that all Rhode Islanders have access to quality health care,” said Executive Office of Health and Human Services Secretary Richard Charest. “Programs like the Health Professional Loan Repayment Program help to improve our state’s ability to attract, train, and retain a talented and dedicated health care workforce.”

Data from 2013 to 2023 show that 91% of Rhode Island Health Professional Loan Repayment Program recipients continue to practice in Rhode Island license after their service obligation is complete. More than 100,000 Rhode Islanders receive health care from a former or current Loan Repayment Program participant.

Blackstone Valley Community Health Care (BVCHC) operates services and practice sites in Pawtucket and Central Falls, as well as a separate Dental facility in downtown Pawtucket. BVCHC services range from prenatal and women’s health care to pediatric, adolescent, and adult preventative and acute care. Behavioral Health and Dental services are available to BVCHC-registered medical and pediatric patients. BVCHC employs 11 health professionals who have benefitted from the program.

“RI’s Health Professional Loan Repayment program is an important strategy to attract and retain high-quality Primary Care Providers to care for those who need it the most,” said Dr. Cristina Pacheco, MD, of BVCHC. “Primary care at Federally Qualified Health Centers is one of the most cost-effective ways to deliver health care to Rhode Islanders, and our mission is to ensure that care is of the highest quality.”

The Rhode Island Health Professional Loan Repayment is supported federally by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). In addition to this investment, the Governor’s FY26 budget proposal also calls for funding for: 

-- Recommending that primary care provider rates are taken up by the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner in its review due in September 2027, an important step to creating a competitive primary care job market in Rhode Island.

-- Increasing funding for senior support services from $1.4 million to $1.6 million. This increased level of support is the equivalent of $8.19 per senior and represents continued progress toward the Governor’s goal of providing $10 per senior in senior support services. The funds are intended to be delivered as a formula allocation.

Learn more about Governor McKee’s RI 2030 plan at RI2030.com