Tag: MIOTA

MDHHS Seeks Applications for Loan Repayment Program to Expand Substance Use Disorder Treatment

Member News

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is accepting applications through April 30 for the Michigan Opioid Treatment Access Loan Repayment Program, which supports providers who offer or expand access to opioid addiction treatment.

Eligible providers can receive between $15,000 and $30,000 toward student loan repayment. Medical and osteopathic doctors, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, case managers and substance use disorder counselors are eligible to apply if they are offering or expanding opioid treatment services. Additional providers working in a variety of healthcare settings are also eligible to apply.

Funding is provided through the State of Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund, which was established through a nationwide settlement with pharmaceutical distributors. The state is expected to receive approximately $1.8 billion from the settlement by 2040, with funds distributed to the state and directly to county, city and township governments.

Applications are due April 30 and members can learn more on the MDHHS MIOTA webpage.

Members with questions may contact the MHA policy team.

MDHHS Offers Loan Repayment to Expand Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Member News

To help close critical gaps in opioid addiction treatment across Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is offering student loan repayment to eligible healthcare providers who begin or expand opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment programs.

The Michigan Opioid Treatment Access Loan Repayment Program provides between $15,000 and $30,000 in student loan repayment to physicians, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and substance use disorder counselors. To qualify, providers must offer new or expanded OUD treatment services in the state.

Michigan continues to face a serious gap in access to substance use treatment. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 1.3 million residents need treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) but aren’t receiving it. A recent needs assessment from MDHHS identified workforce shortages, largely driven by educational barriers and high certification costs as a key factor. Michigan currently ranks 40th in the nation for the number of SUD counselors per adult with the disorder. The loan repayment initiative is supported by the Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund, which was created using settlement funds from the nation’s three largest pharmaceutical distributors and opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson. To date, the program has helped 138 providers repay more than $2.5 million in student loan debt.

Applications for the current cycle are due by Monday, May 19. Providers interested in applying or learning more about eligibility may visit the MIOTA webpage for application materials and additional information.

Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.