HI HB213

Appropriates unspecified general fund amounts for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to continue the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program, administered by the Department of Health

Program helps healthcare professionals repay educational loans in exchange for providing medical services in Hawaii, addressing workforce shortages driven by the state's high cost of living

In 2023, the program allocated nearly $13,000,000 and assisted 890 healthcare workers, including 238 primary care providers and 250 behavioral health specialists

Recipients include diverse healthcare roles such as case managers, certified nurse assistants, social workers, registered nurses, and physicians

More than 1,300 healthcare providers remain on the program waitlist awaiting assistance