Federal Grant Award Summary

The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare received a $221,059 Project Grant award from the Health Resources and Services Administration's Bureau of Health Professionals under the Grants to States for Loan Repayment program (CFDA 93.165), effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029. This three-year award supports Idaho's operation of an educational loan repayment program designed to increase the availability of primary healthcare clinicians in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Through this funding, the Department will administer loan repayment assistance to eligible healthcare providers—including physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, mental health professionals, and registered nurses—in exchange for their commitment to practice in designated underserved areas within Idaho.

The grant enables the Department to deliver loan repayment services that enhance healthcare workforce retention and recruitment in rural and medically underserved communities throughout the state. By offsetting educational debt obligations for qualifying primary care providers who commit to service in HPSAs, the program directly supports improved access to care for Idaho's vulnerable populations. The Department, as the prime grantee and state administering agency, is responsible for program management, recipient eligibility verification, accounting record maintenance, and compliance with federal reporting requirements established by the Health Resources and Services Administration.