Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian Chief Medical Executive for the State of Michigan | Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Website
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian Chief Medical Executive for the State of Michigan | Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Website
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has introduced a student loan repayment program aimed at expanding opioid use disorder treatment. This initiative is designed to address the shortage of substance use disorder (SUD) counselors in the state by offering financial incentives to healthcare providers.
“This program has helped expand life-saving treatment to those suffering from opioid and substance use disorders, particularly in areas where treatment is difficult to access,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “It also eases the financial burden for providers working in this field and offers an incentive for those considering entering this vital workforce.”
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 1.3 million residents of Michigan require SUD treatment but are not receiving it. A needs assessment by MDHHS attributes this gap primarily to workforce shortages, with Michigan ranking 40th nationwide in terms of SUD counselors per adult with an SUD. The high costs associated with education and certification are significant barriers contributing to this shortfall.
The Michigan Opioid Treatment Access Loan Repayment Program offers eligible medical professionals student loan repayments ranging from $15,000 to $30,000. Eligible applicants include medical doctors, osteopathic medicine doctors, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and SUD counselors who either initiate or expand existing opioid treatment programs. The program applies across various healthcare settings.
Funding for the initiative comes from the Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund, supported by payments from a nationwide settlement involving major pharmaceutical distributors and Johnson & Johnson.
To date, 138 providers have benefited from over $2.5 million in partial student loan repayments through this program.
Applications must be submitted by Monday, May 19. Resources and application forms can be accessed at Michigan.gov/miota. Healthcare providers are encouraged to review these materials and apply promptly when the cycle opens.
For further information, inquiries can be directed via email to MDHHS-MIOTA-LRP@michigan.gov.
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