This bill amends the Rural Health Systems and Professional Incentive Act to enhance provisions related to loan repayments and financial assistance for healthcare professionals, particularly dentists providing services to Medicaid patients. It establishes the Medicaid Managed Care Excess Profit Fund, which will now include loan repayments under the Rural Health Systems and Professional Incentive Act as one of its purposes. The bill also restates the objectives of the Act, including the creation of a loan repayment program specifically for dentists who agree to serve Medicaid patients, and modifies the financial assistance amounts available to various healthcare professionals.

Key changes include the introduction of a new loan repayment program for dentists, allowing for up to $60,000 per year for five years, with a maximum of $300,000 in total. Additionally, the bill specifies eligibility criteria for loan repayment recipients, including a requirement to practice in designated health profession shortage areas. It also outlines the terms of agreements that loan repayment recipients must execute, including conditions for repayment if they discontinue practice before fulfilling their obligations. The bill aims to address healthcare provider shortages in Nebraska by incentivizing professionals to serve in underserved areas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 68-996, 71-5650, 71-5652, 71-5662, 71-5663, 71-5668