Leading Physician Groups: Department of Education’s PSLF Rule Will Hurt Patients and Physicians

Summary: Six of the biggest doctor groups in the country, representing over 600,000 physicians, are sounding the alarm. The U.S. Department of Education just changed the rules for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. This program used to help doctors pay off their massive student loans if they chose to work in rural or underserved areas.

Now, the new rule limits this help for doctors who work under contracts with hospitals and health systems. This means primary care doctors and psychiatrists—who are already in short supply—will struggle to pay back their debt. The doctor groups warn that this won't just hurt physicians' bank accounts; it will make it much harder for patients in high-need areas to get the medical care they need to survive.

For more details, see AAFP at aafp.org/content/brand/aafp/news/media-center/statements/department-of-educations-pslf-rule.html (opens in new tab)