# What This Bill Does

This bill extends and expands a federal program that helps pay back student loans for people who work in addiction treatment and recovery. Right now, the program is set to expire after 2023, so this bill keeps it going through 2028 and increases the funding available each year.

Here's why this matters: treating substance use disorders requires trained professionals like counselors, therapists, nurses, and doctors. These jobs often pay less than other healthcare positions, and many people in these fields graduate with significant student loan debt. The loan repayment program helps attract and keep qualified people in addiction treatment work by offering to pay down their student loans if they commit to working in this field. Without this program, many trained professionals might leave to pursue higher-paying jobs elsewhere, making it harder for people struggling with addiction to find treatment.

The bill increases the annual funding from $25 million to $40 million per year—a 60 percent boost. This means more money is available to help more workers pay off their loans, which could encourage more people to enter or stay in addiction treatment careers. This is particularly important given the ongoing opioid crisis and the growing need for substance abuse treatment services across the country. By making these jobs more financially attractive through loan repayment assistance, the bill aims to strengthen the workforce that helps people recover from addiction.

Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program Reauthorization Act of 2023

Rogers, Harold

Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program Reauthorization Act of 2023This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program. Under the program, certain health care providers may receive up to $250,000 in repayment assistance for higher education loans if they provide treatment or recovery services for those with substance use disorders. Providers must work full-time for at least six years at an approved facility that is in a locality with a higher-than-average rate of drug overdose deaths or that is in a mental health professional shortage area.&nbsp;