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HEA Legislation Includes Loan Forgiveness for Allied Health Students As a result of timely action by the HEAL Coalition, allied health students may become eligible for tens of thousands of dollars of student loan forgiveness. Provisions in the Higher Education Act recently approved by the House Education and Labor Committee would, if enacted into law, ensure that all allied health professionals will be eligible for federal loan forgiveness. The Committee-passed legislation makes all health care support occupations including professions such as medical and dental assistants, nursing aides, and medical transcriptionists eligible for student loan forgiveness. Under budget reconciliation legislation signed by the President in September, the Secretary will forgive federal Direct Loans for students upon completion of ten years of on-time loan payments, as long as the worker remains employed in the public service occupation during the entire payment period. In addition, the legislation also makes all health care support occupations eligible for additional student loan forgiveness by serving in an area of national need. Allied health professionals would have $2,000 of their loans forgiven annually, up to a total of 10,000. "The HEAL Coalition has been working closely with key Members and staff to remind them of the significant benefits which loan forgiveness provisions will have on the entire health care industry," said Executive Director Tom Netting. "Staff responded to our October letter on this matter with enthusiasm, and showed a great willingness to work with the HEAL Coalition to support all allied health professionals." HEAL Coalition Board Chairman Paul Mitchell added, "I am particularly gratified that Tom Netting and HEAL Coalition staff brought this important issue to the attention of Congressional leaders. We will work to maintain these provisions on behalf of allied health students as the Higher Education Act continues through the legislative process." If you are interested in joining us or would like more information regarding the Coalition, please contact Executive Director Tom Netting at (202) 626-8553. |
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