The Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP), administered by the Department of Health and Senior Services’ (DHSS) Office of Rural Health and Primary Care (ORHPC), provides forgivable loans for the purpose of repaying existing educational related loans for health care, mental health, and public health professionals, in exchange for a 2-year service obligation in an underserved area.
Submit your application electronically through the online HPLRP Application. Applications will be accepted from October 1 through December 1, 2026 (All applications must be complete to be considered)
Repayment of Loans/Service Obligation
- The service obligation runs for a minimum of 2-years of service per award, which is based on full-time qualifying employment.
- Qualifying employment is considered as full-time, 40 hours per week, in an area of defined need determined by DHSS.
- Loan recipients are required to provide proof of employment by completing an Employment Verification (EV) form annually or upon request from the DHSS.
- HPLRP Employment Verification Form
Contact Information
Address any questions or concerns to:
Office of Rural Health and Primary Care
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
P.O. Box 570, 930 Wildwood
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570
Phone: 573-751-6441
Email (Preferred Method of Contact): DHSS.LoanRepayment@health.mo.gov
The Health Professional Loan and Loan Repayment programs administered by the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) are designed to increase access to health care for Missourians in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). In parts of Missouri, a shortage of primary health care providers makes it difficult for low-income, uninsured, and geographically isolated Missourians to receive health care. By working with health care providers and communities, access to care can be improved for the underserved.
Pay Online - JetPay Payment Services
If you are making payments on your student loan or loan repayment award(s), you may utilize the on-line payment platform in lieu of mailing your payments to the department.
There are two Health Professional Loan and Loan Repayment programs offered through DHSS:
- Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP) awards funding for the repayment of eligible educational loans for qualified Health Care, Mental Health, and Public Health Professionals in Missouri.
- Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) awards funding for the repayment of eligible educational loans for qualified Health Professionals, Physicians, Dentists, and Psychiatrists in Missouri.
Contact Information
Office of Rural Health and Primary Care
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
P.O. Box 570, 930 Wildwood
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570
Phone: 573-751-6441
Email (Preferred Method of Contact): DHSS.LoanRepayment@health.mo.gov
Before You Apply
- You must understand all the program provisions, penalties, and how contract breaches occur.
- There are serious penalties associated with breaching program contracts, which could result in paying back the entire loan amount awarded to you including interest.