492 Hawaii Health Care Workers to Have Student Loans Paid Off in Exchange for Two-Year Commitment
The state of Hawaii has announced that it will pay off the student loans of 492 health care workers, up to a maximum of $100,000, as part of an initiative to address the ongoing shortage of health care professionals in the islands. In return, these workers are required to commit to staying in Hawaii for a period of two years.
Expanding the Program to Include More Health Care Workers
The state plans to open applications for the program again in July through August, with the aim of recruiting an additional 1,000 health care workers. This round of the program will offer to pay off student debt of up to $50,000 for each of two years. The program is open to physicians, nurses, mental health specialists, and social workers, both on the mainland and in Hawaii.
Funding for the Program
The funding for the program has been provided by the state Legislature, which allocated a historic $30 million. Additionally, Lynn and Marc Benioff, the couple who own a home on Hawaii island, contributed an additional $5 million to pay off student loans specifically for health care workers on the island. The aim is to secure similar contributions from other benefactors in order to expand the program further.
A National Model for Addressing Health Care Worker Shortages
Gov. Josh Green hopes that the initiative, known as the Hawai‘i Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program (H.E.L.P.), will become a national model. He aims for Hawaii to be the only state in the country without a health care worker shortage within approximately five years. Green plans to approach other potential benefactors to seek further contributions to pay off more student loans and achieve this goal.
Commitment to Serving Medicaid and Medicare Patients
In addition to their two-year commitment, health care workers who have their student loans paid off through the program must agree to treat 30% of patients who receive Medicaid or Medicare. According to Green, this requirement applies to “almost the entire state” and aims to support those who are struggling financially.
Supporting Health Care Workers’ Return to Hawaii
Many Hawaii parents have expressed interest in bringing their health care worker children back to the islands from the mainland. Green encourages them to have their children apply to the program, as those with verified debt and local connections have a good chance of approval. The first round of applications received over 500 submissions within the first four weeks.
Addressing the Shortage and Enhancing Community Care
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for more health care workers in Hawaii. The state spent $150 million to import traveling nurses, doctors, and other professionals during the pandemic. However, Green stresses the importance of having local health care workers who understand the community and can provide long-term care. The shortage has been further exacerbated by retirements and the impact of the pandemic on health care professionals.
Relief for Health Care Workers with Significant Student Loan Debt
Dr. John Misailidis, who arrived in Hawaii in 2011 with $250,000 in student loan debt, has expressed gratitude for the program. He will have $100,000 of his debt paid off, providing significant relief, especially during the holiday season. Misailidis appreciates the local culture and is grateful for the opportunity to continue serving in Hawaii.